Are North Korean soldiers operating on the front in Ukraine? The EU may respond with sanctions, and NATO troops may be in Ukraine.

Recent reports about the possible participation of thousands of North Korean soldiers in military operations on the side of Russia in Ukraine have sparked discussions among Western politicians about the possible deployment of European troops in support of Kyiv. Politico reported that European countries are feeling pressure to reconsider their position on military assistance to Ukraine after information emerged about the supply of military resources from the DPRK.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed the opinion of the need to discuss the proposal of French President Emmanuel Macron to send European troops to Ukraine. He noted that if the participation of North Korean soldiers in hostilities is confirmed, this will change the situation and force Europe to more actively support Ukraine. “We cannot remain indifferent when Russia uses such resources. If the information is confirmed, this will be a serious challenge for Europe,” Landsbergis noted.

Macron's idea of ​​sending European troops to Ukraine was rejected earlier this year. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that NATO troops will not be deployed on Ukrainian territory to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia. However, new threats, including the possible participation of soldiers from North Korea, are forcing European politicians to reconsider their positions.

Riho Terhas, a former commander of the Estonian armed forces and a current member of the European Parliament, believes that the West is using uncertainty in intelligence as an excuse for inaction. Terhas believes that while integrating North Korean soldiers into the Russian military may be difficult, it should be an option for Europe's Ukraine strategy.

“If the conflict continues, this could be a key step,” Terhas said.