U.S. State Department "Big concern about North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war..."Discussed at NATO"

The U.S. State Department says North Korea's participation in the war in Ukraine undoubtedly causes great concern and consternation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said at a briefing that Secretary of State Tony Blinken, who is visiting Europe, will discuss North Korea's participation in the war with NATO members.

Patel added that he is also working with South Korea and Japan on North Korea's participation in the war in Ukraine.

However, when asked if the U.S. policy to support Ukraine will change due to North Korea's participation in the war, he said there were no policy changes to share with the media.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Blinken said North Korean troops have been put into combat and are literally fighting now, adding that a firm response is needed.

Meanwhile, Patel said there would be proper communication in the coming weeks between Senator Marco Rubio, who has been named secretary of state for a second Trump administration, and Blinken for a transition.