Pentagon, South Korea urge North Korea to withdraw troops from Russia

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, center, listens as South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, right, speaks during a joint press briefing at the Pentagon on Oct. 30, 2024 in Washington. At left is Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart, Kim Yong-hyun, urged North Korea on Wednesday to withdraw from Russia an estimated 10,000 troops, which both countries believe are headed to fight alongside Russia in its war in Ukraine.