Japan’s senior government spokesman expressed serious concern about information that North Korea is sending troops to Russia.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told reporters on Friday that the government had obtained credible information indicating that North Korea was sending thousands of troops to Russia.

He said the administration was carefully monitoring the situation, including the possibility that Pyongyang might provide support for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Hayashi said the latest developments in Russia-North Korea military cooperation are of serious concern because they can not only worsen the situation in Ukraine but also affect regional security surrounding Japan.

The government will continue to collect and analyze information, the spokesman said.

He added that Japan will work closely with the international community to ensure the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.