Russia supporting North Korean nuclear programme in exchange for troops: Nato chief
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Ukraine and its allies say North Korea has sent soldiers to Russia to fight alongside Moscow’s forces in the Kursk region.
FILE PHOTO: AFP
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BRUSSELS, Belgium – Nato chief Mark Rutte said on Dec 4 that Russia was giving support to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes in exchange for Pyongyang sending troops to fight in the war with Ukraine.
He urged Nato members to send enough arms to Ukraine to change the course of the conflict as Russian forces make gains along the front line.
“In return for troops and weapons, Russia is providing North Korea with support for its missile and nuclear programmes,” Mr Rutte said after a meeting of Nato foreign ministers. “These developments could destabilise the Korean peninsula and even threaten the United States.”
Ukraine and its allies say North Korea has sent soldiers to Russia
Mr Rutte has stressed the risk the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang poses to the US ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office.
Washington’s allies are trying to find ways to convince Trump that it is in his interest to keep up US support for Ukraine.
The volatile Republican has cast doubt on continuing vast US military aid to Kyiv and promised to cut a quick deal to end the war.
Mr Rutte said: “The increasing alignment of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran highlights the global nature of the threats we face, including the escalating dangers of the ongoing war in Ukraine.”
The situation on the battlefield is looking increasingly grim for Ukraine as Trump’s inauguration approaches. Russian forces are advancing along the front line as Kyiv’s fatigued forces struggle with weapons supplies and manpower shortages.
Mr Rutte said: “We must provide enough support to change the trajectory of this conflict once and for all. We discussed what more allies can do to provide critical ammunition and air defences.” AFP
