In a stark warning, the U.S. Congress has raised the possibility of “direct military action” should North Korean troops enter the battlefield in Ukraine. Representative Michael Turner, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, made it clear that North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be a “red line” for the United States—a move he believes should provoke a serious military response.
This bold stance, reported by The Hill, reflects growing American concerns as intelligence from South Korea and statements from the White House suggest North Korea has already sent up to 3,000 troops to Russia. These troops reportedly aim to bolster Russian forces as they continue the prolonged conflict with Ukraine. The Biden administration, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, is being urged to take a hard line, signaling to North Korea and Russia that further escalation would not go unanswered.
“If the troops of North Korea enter the sovereign territory of Ukraine,” Turner stated, “the U.S. needs to seriously consider the possibility of taking direct military action against the troops of North Korea.” This would mark a significant expansion of U.S. involvement in the conflict, potentially heightening global tensions as Washington seeks to deter Pyongyang from further military support of Russia.
South Korean intelligence initially reported that North Korean soldiers had been sent to Russia, with strict efforts to keep the deployment under wraps. North Korean authorities are reportedly isolating the families of deployed soldiers to prevent the news from spreading, underlining the secrecy surrounding their involvement. In response, Germany and Austria have summoned North Korean ambassadors, underscoring international condemnation.
The White House, backing Turner’s stance, warned that any North Korean military personnel engaging in combat on Ukrainian soil would be treated as legitimate targets. The Biden administration’s endorsement of this policy suggests an unwavering commitment to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty—even if that means confronting North Korean forces.
Sources for this article include: The Hill, South Korean intelligence reports.
