- The Washington Times - Thursday, October 24, 2024

A senior Republican lawmaker said the U.S. should consider taking “direct military action” against North Korean troops if they enter the war in Ukraine.

The statement on Wednesday from Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, came after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that North Korean soldiers are in Russia.

At least 3,000 North Korean troops are believed to be undergoing training at Russian military bases, and White House officials fear they could be sent to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian forces.

“The Biden-Harris administration must make clear that North Korean troops entering this conflict are a red line for the United States,” Mr. Turner said in a statement. 

The GOP lawmaker said he is against the White House’s restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-provided weapons against targets inside Russian territory.

“If North Korean troops attack Ukraine from Russian territory, Ukraine should be permitted to use American weapons to respond,” Mr. Turner posted on X.

On Wednesday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia. He said it was a “highly concerning probability” that they would reach the front lines alongside Russian troops.

“If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they’re fair game, they’re fair targets,” Mr. Kirby told reporters. “The Ukrainian military will defend themselves against North Korean soldiers the same way they’re defending themselves against Russian soldiers.”

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.

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