Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean troops. He warned that as North Korea improves its weaponry and gains combat experience through the Ukraine war, security threats to neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan could increase.
In a public address on August 10, Zelenskyy stated, "Russia can no longer conduct the war without reinforcements from North Korea," adding that Moscow is ready to deploy North Korean troops to its territory.
He also asserted that Russia has received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea, noting that North Korean missiles and other weapons are being enhanced through cooperation with Russia. "North Korea is elevating its weapon performance and troop operational capabilities through the Ukraine war," he pointed out.
Zelenskyy warned that the increased use of North Korean missiles and troops would heighten risks for regional countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. He urged the international community to support Ukraine's air defense systems, stating that such assistance would help prevent North Korea from accumulating combat experience.
Ukrainian sources estimate that the number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia could reach up to 50,000. Zelenskyy claimed the possibility of 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops being stationed in Russian territory the previous day, although he did not disclose specific sources for this information.
North Korea has already sent troops to the Kursk region of Russia, where they have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces. Both Russia and North Korea have officially confirmed the participation of North Korean troops in the fighting in Kursk.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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