North Korea has sent troops to Russia, the United States said Wednesday, its first public confirmation of a move that has rattled Western allies and could mark a major escalation of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

“There is evidence of DPRK troops in Russia,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters in Rome, using the abbreviation for North Korea’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“What exactly they’re doing is left to be seen,” Austin said, adding, “We’re trying to gain better fidelity on it.” It’s a “serious issue,” he said, if North Korea’s “intention is to participate in this war on Russia’s behalf.”

His comments came after South Korea and Ukraine sounded the alarm in recent days, sharing intelligence and voicing dissatisfaction with what they see as a lack of urgency in the response from the U.S. and other Western countries.

  • Flying SquidM
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    1329 days ago

    Maybe, but there is very little chance of Putin launching nukes. Firstly because they likely haven’t been serviced and many probably won’t work, secondly because dictators tend to want legacies and Putin has children and grandchildren.

    • @Valmond
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      629 days ago

      He don’t care about his children or grandchildren, but what he do care about is his own life, so he won’t be launching any nukes.

      • Flying SquidM
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        329 days ago

        What makes you think he doesn’t care about his legacy?

        • @Valmond
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          529 days ago

          Hmm fair point, IIRC he does have some son in politics quite high up.

          • Flying SquidM
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            429 days ago

            Really, you don’t have to love your son to want him to replace you. It’s more about being You 2.0 than being someone you love. I doubt either of the successive Kims got much love from their fathers.