US "Concerns over North Korea's participation in Ukraine war affecting Indo-Pacific region... Cooperation with South Korea and Japan"

Vedant Patel State Department Spokesperson Briefing

The U.S. government stated on the 14th (local time) that North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and participation in the Ukraine war "causes great concern and shock in the Indo-Pacific region."

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, said at a briefing that U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken, who is visiting Europe, will discuss this issue with NATO partners.

He also explained that the U.S. is coordinating with South Korea and Japan regarding North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war. When asked whether U.S. policy on supporting Ukraine has changed due to North Korea's participation, he responded, "There is no policy change to share with the media."

The previous day, Secretary Blinken met with reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, stating, "North Korean troops have been deployed and are literally fighting in the conflict (in Ukraine)," adding, "This requires a resolute response, and we will take such action."