US Should Contemplate 'Direct Military Action' If North Korean Troops Engage in Ukraine, Says GOP Chair

In response to ongoing reports suggesting that North Korean troops are in Russia preparing for a deeper involvement in Ukraine, some Washington hawks are expressing their anger and concern. According to South Korean intelligence and the Zelensky government, some of these troops are already engaged in the conflict, invading Ukrainian territory.

Republican Representative Advocates for Direct Military Action

Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio, who is also the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, has escalated the warnings against Pyongyang. He has prompted the United States to contemplate "direct military action" should it be confirmed that North Korean troops are dispatched to fight in Ukraine. Turner stated, "If North Korean troops were to invade Ukraine’s sovereign territory, the United States needs to seriously consider taking direct military action against the North Korean troops."

Turner's Stance on US Support for Ukraine

Turner is also utilizing this situation to reiterate his stance that the US should not hesitate to back Ukrainian long-range strikes within Russia. He has consistently criticized the Biden-Harris Administration's position on limiting Ukraine’s use of US weapons against targets within Russian territory. Turner stressed that if North Korean troops attack Ukraine from Russian territory, Ukraine should be allowed to use American weapons to retaliate.

Probable Impact on North Korea

Kim Jong-Un is expected to leverage these threats as a pretext to potentially escalate missile launches or conduct military drills. He has been promoting a plan to swiftly expand and modernize North Korea's nuclear program over the past few months. Turner's aggressive remarks directed at Pyongyang are unlikely to improve the situation, given that relations between North and South Korea are currently strained.

US Assessment of North Korean Soldiers

John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, stated on Wednesday that the US estimates that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived at Russia's Pacific port of Vladivostok. They reportedly arrived earlier this month by boat. Kirby explained, "These soldiers then travelled onward to multiple Russian military training sites in eastern Russia, where they are currently undergoing training." He added, "We do not yet know whether these soldiers will enter into combat alongside the Russian military, but this is certainly a highly concerning probability." He further warned that if they deploy to fight against Ukraine, "they’re fair game."

Turner's 'Red Line' Issue

Turner referred to this as a 'red line' issue during an appearance on FOX, urging the Biden-Harris Administration to clarify that North Korean involvement in Ukraine is a red line for the United States.

Reports of North Korean Troops Deployment

Earlier, Yonhap News Agency had reported that Pyongyang has decided to deploy four brigades to Ukraine, which equates to an estimated 12,000 troops, according to the country's main intelligence agency, NIS. In a recent address, President Zelensky confirmed this figure, stating, "We have information that two units of military personnel from North Korea are being trained – potentially even two brigades of 6,000 people each." Zelensky further noted that this is an indication of the war's increasing internationalization in favor of Moscow. He has called for a response from his Western supporters.

Bottom Line

The potential involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict has sparked a heated debate among US policymakers. The suggestion of direct military action against North Korean troops if they invade Ukraine's sovereign territory is a significant escalation. This development raises questions about the international implications of the Ukraine conflict and the potential for further escalation. What is your perspective on this issue? Do you think direct military action is a viable solution? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.