Headlines from CNN.
Victor Cha:
Although the number of troops committed by DPRK will be limited, North Korea has effectively crossed the Rubicon. Europe traditionally has been North Korea’s gateway to the West and was seen by Pyongyang as more “neutral” than the United States. North Korean diplomats are stationed in most European capitals, and the level of interaction in general (pre-pandemic) has been fluid, much more so than with the United States, South Korea (ROK), or Japan. But North Korea’s decision to send troops to kill Europeans will not easily be forgotten in European capitals. Thus, this tactical move by Kim will have long-term consequences for EU-DPRK relations.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said “If they do deploy to fight against Ukraine, they’re fair game. They’re fair targets.” (CNN)