We believe that it is certainly possible, and I just go so far as to say, perhaps even likely, that at least some of these North Korean troops could be deployed to the Kursk area,
If there is such a thing that the world media is talking about, I think it will be an act conforming with the regulations of international law,
If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they are fair game,
There will evidently exist forces which want to describe it as illegal one, I think."
The ultimate goal for Kim is a revitalized alliance with Russia that helps North Korea catch up its missile program and its nuclear program with those in the West,
Russia is losing 10,000 soldiers about every 10 days, so this deployment of 10,000 North Korean soldiers will not noticeably change the outcome,
As they were doing their nuclear tests, they would have discovered that some things didn't work,
North Korea will expect a generous payoff from Moscow in return for its troop contribution,
The financial benefits from this initial deployment may seem relatively small, but they are comparatively important for North Korea,
The national security advisers express grave concern over troop deployments" by North Korea in Russia, "potentially for use against Ukraine,
We are looking into reports that the number could be north of that,
We got rations, and as far as I heard those are for the brigade'',
I suspect that they will hope that the North Korea-Russia relationship will, as in the past, eventually sour and that the North will again turn to China, which has a much longer tradition of links,
It is worth keeping in mind that North Korea and Russia have not moved closer without China's blessing,
While Pyongyang cannot afford to alienate Beijing, this outcome suggests that North Korea feels increasingly comfortable defying China's wishes, not only by increasing its nuclear and missile provocations in the Indo-Pacific but also by fueling an armed conflict in a different theater at a time when Beijing seeks to portray itself as a potential peacemaker,
There is nothing good for them in this, short or long term,
Officially, they might not really welcome it, they might see it as an alarming situation,
Both are dependent on China and to let them do the public dirty work allows China to continue driving on two wagons simultaneously,
This is our sovereign decision. Whether we use it or not, where, how, or whether we engage in exercises, training, or transfer some experience. It’s our business.”
On the Ukraine crisis, China's position is consistent and clear. We hope all parties will promote the deescalation of the situation and strive for a political settlement,