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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday warned of a military development in Russia, estimating that thousands of North Korean troops are in the country, with some marching toward Ukraine clothed in enemy uniforms.

It is not clear exactly how many North Korean troops are in Russia, but Ukraine estimates the number is as high as 12,000. The United States has placed the number at roughly 10,000 troops. Some of those troops are likely to be used in combat, and are clothed in Russian uniforms, per the Associated Press. They are also carrying Russian equipment.

Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya said his country expects up to 4,500 North Korean troops to arrive at the Ukraine border this week, and whom could engage in combat operations next month.

The warning comes as North Korea tightens its relationship with Russia in the latter’s war with Ukraine, which officials warn could lead to a longer or broader war in Europe.  

When asked if the escalation could pull more countries into the conflict, Austin admitted that it could “encourage” other countries to jump into the fight.

“This is something that we’re going to continue to watch, and we’re going to continue to work with our allies and partners to discourage Russia from employing these troops in combat,” Austin said.

South Korean officials said Wednesday that they do not expect an escalation in Ukraine to cause war on the Korean peninsula but said it could increase security threats. 

Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun both urged North Korea to withdraw its troops.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.