PM: Russia sending N Korean troops to Ukraine is 'act of desperation'

Russia calling up North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine would be 'an act of desperation' by Vladimir Putin, Sir Keir Starmer claimed today.

The Prime Minister admitted Ukraine was facing 'a difficult winter' as Russia continues its barbaric assault.

But, speaking in Berlin following talks with the leaders of the US, France and Germany, Sir Keir added that Russia was 'getting weaker'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he believes 10,000 North Korean soldiers could join the war, based on intelligence information.

South Korea's spy agency has also warned that Pyongyang has started sending troops to fight with Russia in Ukraine, as Mr Putin's losses continue to mount.

Asked about the prospect of North Korean troops joining Russia's fight, Sir Keir told a press conference in the German capital this afternoon: 'I've seen the reports in relation to this development.

'If it's true then, to my mind, it shows a level of desperation in relation to Russia.'

He said Russia was in a 'difficult position' in terms of the country's number of casualties and dwindling resources.

'If this is true then, to me, it looks more an act of desperation than anything else,' the PM added.

Sir Keir spoke in Berlin following a so-called 'Quad' meeting of the four Western leaders this afternoon.

As well as talks about the Middle East crisis, the PM, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also discussed their ongoing support for Ukraine. 

Sir Keir said: 'We remain united in our support for Ukraine. We have always said it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.

'So we're clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace.

'We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure and we'll work together to make it happen.

'And while the situation is incredibly tough, it's also true that Russia is getting weaker. This war is soaking up 40 per cent of their budget.

'Last month, Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far. So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.'

Sir Keir added: 'As Ukraine enters a difficult winter it's important to say 'we're with you'.

'We're absolutely united in our resolve. And we'll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.'