North Korean casualties rise as Russia strengthens tech ties
Antony Blinken confirmed that over a thousand North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Russia. Moscow plans to share satellite technology with Pyongyang.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Seoul, reported that over a thousand North Korean soldiers fighting on Russia's side in the war against Ukraine have been killed or wounded.
"By the end of December, a thousand North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded in the Kursk region," said Blinken.
Russia and North Korea: technological cooperation
The US Secretary of State emphasised that the presence of Ukrainian troops in this region is significant for future negotiations. Blinken noted that there is evidence Moscow plans to share space and satellite technology with Pyongyang.
During a press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yong, Blinken admitted that North Korean forces are already receiving Russian military equipment and undergoing training. The US fears the Kremlin might accept North Korea's status as a nuclear power.
Pyongyang continues missile tests
Blinken condemned the latest missile test conducted by Pyongyang, deeming it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The ballistic missile flew approximately 1,095 kilometres and fell into the Sea of Japan. It was the first such test in two months since the US presidential elections, won by Donald Trump.
