The United States expects North Korean soldiers in Russia will deploy in combat against Ukrainian forces in the coming days, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday, warning they would become legitimate military targets if they engaged in combat against Kyiv, Paralel.Az reports citing Reuters.

Blinken - speaking at a press conference following a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their South Korean counterparts - said Russia has been training the North Korean soldiers in artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, and basic infantry operations, indicating they fully intend to use the forces in frontline operations.

During their meeting on Thursday, the U.S. and South Korea discussed a range of options for responding, Blinken added.