North Korea sends troops to aid Russia, Germany solemnly protests, media warns- leading to World War III_2

North Korea’s reported dispatch of troops to participate directly in the Ukraine war has sparked a strong reaction from German media. In response, Germany summoned the North Korean representative to express its protest; this marks the first official warning from a European nation regarding the situation.

Despite denials from both Moscow and Pyongyang, evidence confirming North Korea’s military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is becoming increasingly clear. On October 23, the German government summoned the North Korean diplomatic representative, issuing a warning that drew significant media attention. German headlines ominously described the troop deployment as a potential “path to World War III.”

The German Foreign Ministry took to social media platform X, stating, “If reports about North Korean soldiers being sent to Ukraine are true, this would constitute a serious violation of international law.” They further emphasized that “North Korea’s support for Russia’s invasion poses a direct threat to peace and order in Germany and Europe.”

Last week, the South Korean government specifically warned that North Korean soldiers had already arrived in Russia, with Ukraine also confirming the troop deployment in support of Russia. The U.S. has indicated it will investigate further, while NATO issued a warning about severe consequences resulting from this development. Notably, Germany is the first European nation to call in a North Korean representative to issue a formal caution.

However, some German citizens have expressed concern that the Foreign Ministry’s stance is too soft. One social media commenter remarked, “North Korea is not just ‘supporting’—they’re sending troops to directly attack free Europe, directly threatening us. This is already a war, dear Foreign Ministry.”

German media reactions have been notably intense regarding North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” highlighted the situation with a stark headline about the “path to World War III.” Meanwhile, the “Welt” described it as the first entry of Far Eastern military forces into Europe since the Mongol invasions nearly 800 years ago.

In related developments, North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong-un recently inspected a strategic missile base, examining the country’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, along with its transportation and launch facilities.

Accompanied by his sister Kim Yo-jong and military officials, Kim Jong-un stressed the “critical role” of North Korea’s missile forces in military deterrence, asserting that strengthening missile capabilities is a “top priority.”

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong-un reviewed facilities related to North Korea’s “strategic deterrent forces,” stating that these capabilities are essential for national security. Images from the inspection show Kim standing in front of the massive Hwasong-18 missile while also appearing beside medium-range hypersonic missiles known for their unpredictable trajectories, making them difficult to intercept.

During the inspection, he commented, “The strategic nuclear assets of the United States pose an increasingly severe threat to our security environment.” Therefore, North Korea must clearly enhance its military deterrence and adopt a “comprehensive and strict nuclear countermeasure posture.” He also called for further modernization and reinforcement of the strategic missile base facilities.