International alert: Putin turns to North Korean troops to advance conflict

The war in Ukraine remains in the spotlight, even more so after the deployment of some 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk in support of Russia. The presence of these North Korean troops reinforces cooperation between the two countries and, according to Zelenskyy, marks a new step towards a possible global escalation.

Why is Putin turning to North Korean troops?

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached a critical point following the latest move by Moscow to deploy more than 10,000 North Korean troops to Kursk. This is all due to Putin and his cronies' difficulties in escalating the conflict to take Kiev. North Korea's intervention has caused international concern, especially in South Korea, which is worried about a possible exchange of military technology between Russia and Pyongyang.

In response, the South Korean government is considering sending a monitoring team to monitor North Korean troop movements in Ukraine, as North Korea has also not given details of its deployment.

What does the West have to say about all this?

From NATO and the European Union, this action by Russia is perceived as a sign of weakness and urgency, as some sources close to the Kremlin say it is an "act of desperation".

Zelensky, in the face of this latest move by Moscow, was quite concerned and asked for international help: "European unity is essential to mobilize other leaders and advance the peace plan, we need your help. I do not contemplate negotiating with Moscow."

In this way, Putin takes a new step in the conflict with Ukraine after the presence of more than 10,000 South Korean soldiers in Kursk, understood as "a sign of weakness" on the part of the Kremlin and as a "possible global escalation in the conflict" on the part of Zelensky.