NATO’s newly appointed leader, Mark Rutte, has voiced strong concerns about reports of North Korea planning to send troops to assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Rutte warned that such a move would signify a dangerous escalation in the conflict.

"Any deployment of troops from North Korea to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine would represent a significant and worrying escalation," said Rutte during a press briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels. His remarks come in response to claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who stated that North Korea is preparing to dispatch 10,000 soldiers to support Moscow's military efforts.

The reports have sparked global apprehension, with Seoul also expressing alarm. South Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the alleged North Korean involvement, stating, "We have grave concerns regarding North Korea's recent dispatch of troops to Russia."

Although Pyongyang has yet to confirm these reports, the potential involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict has raised the stakes for all parties involved, signaling increased geopolitical tensions in the ongoing war.