New York: North Korea's chief envoy to the United Nations evaded a direct question about the nation's troop deployment to Russia, instead emphasizing the strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia during a recent U.N. meeting. Kim Song, who serves as North Korea's permanent representative to the U.N., responded to a query from Robert Wood, the United States' alternate representative, at the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting held in New York. According to Yonhap News Agency, Wood raised concerns about North Korea's military involvement in Russia, stating that the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia's conflict in Ukraine has escalated the threat to European security. Wood directly questioned Kim on whether North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had sent troops to Russia. Reports from South Korea and the U.S. suggest that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russia, with some already engaged in combat near Russia' s western Kursk border region. Kim Song refrained from answering with a simple affirmative or negative and instead highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia, asserting its compliance with international law and the U.N. Charter. His remarks suggested an acknowledgment of the troop deployment, as he emphasized North Korea's commitment to its treaty obligations. The treaty, signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June in Pyongyang, commits both nations to mutual military aid in wartime, elevating their military relations to an alliance-like level. During his address to the UNSC, Kim Song reiterated the development of bilateral relations between North Korea and Russia across various sectors, including military cooperation, under the mutual treaty. He emphasized North Korea's dedication to contributing to regional and global peace and security, as well as international justice, through strengthened ties with Russia. The me eting also saw Ukraine's permanent representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya, accuse Kim of supporting a "criminal regime" in aiding Russia, warning of potential legal consequences for North Korea's leadership. Furthermore, Wood disclosed that North Korea is preparing to supply Russia with additional ballistic missiles for the Ukraine conflict. North Korea has already transferred significant military supplies to Russia, including long-range artillery pieces, rocket launchers, and over 18,000 containers of ammunition and materials. In exchange, Russia has provided North Korea with air defense systems, fuel, and dual-use technology to enhance its military capabilities.