Thousands of North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s border region are expected to enter combat against Ukraine “soon,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed on Saturday. Speaking during a stopover in Fiji, Austin noted that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to be positioned in Russia’s Kursk region, where they are being integrated into Russian military formations.

“Based on their training and integration into Russian units, I fully expect them to engage in combat shortly,” Austin stated, while adding that there have been no significant reports yet of these troops actively participating in fighting.

The deployment of North Korean troops has drawn international attention as a part of a growing alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow. Reports suggest that in exchange for North Korea’s military support, Russia has supplied Pyongyang with oil, anti-air missiles, and economic assistance, according to South Korean officials and independent research groups.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in Ukraine, where Kyiv has warned of a massive buildup of Russian and allied forces, including the North Korean troops. Ukrainian officials claim Moscow has amassed a 50,000-strong force in the border areas to retake parts of the region captured by Ukraine during its lightning offensive in August.

This latest escalation adds a new dimension to the nearly three-year-long conflict, as Ukraine continues to battle thinly stretched forces in the Donetsk region while bracing for renewed attacks near the border with Russia.

Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially commented on the presence of North Korean soldiers or their involvement in the ongoing war. However, their collaboration has raised concerns among Western nations about the potential for further destabilization in the region.