China hopes for de-escalation by all parties following reports of North Korean troops in Russia, stated a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry today.

The Chinese official made these remarks in response to South Korean accusations, confirmed by multiple sources, that North Korea has dispatched troops to join the Ukraine conflict in Russia, according to Reuters.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service had earlier disclosed that 12,000 North Korean soldiers were dispatched for military training in Russia.

Previous reports by South Korean media indicated that a total of 12,000 North Korean soldiers would be sent to fight in Ukraine.

CNN reported yesterday on footage that suggests North Korean troops are preparing in Russia.

Showing soldiers receiving uniforms and equipment at the Sergejevka training ground on Russia’s far eastern border near China.

The video, showing North Korean soldiers picking up uniforms and gear, was provided to an American television network by the Ukrainian government’s Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security.

Additionally, CNN received a form that North Korean soldiers filled out upon their arrival in Russia, detailing sizes for uniforms and shoes.

With an army of 1.2 million, North Korea is among the countries with the largest military forces in the world.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied allegations from the U.S. that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia.