In a stark warning on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that Russia’s involvement in the war against Ukraine poses a threat that extends beyond the immediate conflict with Kyiv, potentially implicating Moscow in aiding Pyongyang’s nuclear development.
“The reality is, the relationship between Russia and North Korea is a two-way street,” Blinken stated while speaking alongside Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha from NATO headquarters in Brussels. “North Korea is supporting Russia and its aggression against Ukraine.
“Simultaneously, the support Russia is providing to North Korea, potentially including backing for its nuclear and missile programs, poses a threat to peace and security on the Korean peninsula,” he added.
Blinken’s comments coincided with Wednesday’s announcement from South Korean intelligence that North Korean troops had commenced combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk – just weeks after the U.S. had been moved to the region where Ukraine launched offensive operations in August.
Blinken described the development as “highly significant and deeply concerning,” as it “escalates the threat to security and stability in Europe, but also in the Asia Pacific region.”
The secretary argued North Korea’s direct indicates that adversarial nations like Russia, North Korea and Iran are increasingly becoming jointly involved in malicious activity across the globe.
“I believe we are witnessing a growing interconnectedness of security between the Euro-Atlantic Theater, the Indo-Pacific, Asia-Pacific theaters, even the Middle East, with the role Iran plays,” Blinken said, noting the U.S. and its NATO allies are “sharply focused on this.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister echoed Blinken’s warnings and asserted “the future of Transatlantic and global security is being determined in Ukraine.”
Sybiha highlighted Russia’s latest strike against Kyiv overnight on Tuesday, in which a combination of drones and missiles targeted the capital city for the first time since August. Though civilians were forced to seek shelter in underground train stations, no casualties have been reported.
“Russia is utilizing Iranian drones…and North Korean troops to attack Ukraine. It provides assistance to those regions in return,” Sybiha said. “This is how this war undermines security in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It’s all interconnected.
“If you aim to ensure lasting peace and stability in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we must compel Russia to cease its aggression,” he added.
Blinken’s tenure as secretary of state – during which he navigated one of the most tense geopolitical periods between the West and its primary adversaries since World War II – is coming to an end as the incoming Trump administration is poised to take the reins in January.
Uncertainty has risen regarding how will address these complex security situations, particularly whether Trump will continue military aid to Ukraine, and Blinken stated the Biden administration will utilize its remaining time to bolster defensive aid to Kyiv.
Blinken said the Biden administration will “dedicate every day to continuing what we have done over the past four years, which is strengthening this alliance.”
The secretary further pledged to “continue to fortify ” aid for Ukraine to ensure it can effectively counter Russian advances over the coming year or to position itself to effectively negotiate peace with Moscow.