Small number of North Korean troops already deployed in Ukraine

On Wednesday, Austin made the remarks during a joint press conference with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun amid rising concerns over North Korea's deployment of up to 11,000 troops to support Russia.

The Russian representative in the 15-member United Nations Security Council did not respond.

After an initial denial, North Korea has also since defended the idea of deploying troops as in line with international law.

Ukraine prepared to fight North Korean troops in the Russian region of Kursk on Wednesday, as the entry of a second nuclear power in Russia’s war against Ukraine threatened to escalate and broaden the conflict.