Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on August 10 that "Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean troops on its territory," raising concerns about increased risks for regional countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. He reiterated the need for military cooperation with South Korea.
North Korea May Deploy Up to 50,000 Troops, Zelensky Warns
According to the Ukrainian presidential office, Zelensky stated in a public address that "Russia, unable to secure a safe rear, can no longer conduct the war without reinforcements from North Korea," adding that North Korea has provided additional ballistic missiles to Russia. He noted that North Korean weapons, including ballistic missiles, are being improved through cooperation with Russia.
On the previous day, Zelensky had projected that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russian territory, significantly exceeding earlier estimates of 30,000. He mentioned that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024 that includes provisions for automatic military intervention in case of emergencies.
Zelensky expressed concern that as North Korea's missiles and troops are increasingly utilized, and as North Korea compensates for its lack of combat experience, the risks faced by other regional countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, will also grow.
He urged allied nations to provide military cooperation and support, including air defense systems, stating, "This is to deter North Korea's desire and interest in learning from the war in Ukraine."
South Korea Remains Cautious Amid Concerns Over Relations with Russia
Zelensky has repeatedly requested military cooperation with South Korea, including the provision of air defense weapons, in response to North Korea-Russia military collaboration. On August 8, he posted on social media urging South Korea to work closely with Ukraine. He acknowledged South Korea's legal constraints but expressed hope for support in the area of air defense systems.
However, the South Korean government maintains a cautious stance, asserting that providing weapons to Ukraine is difficult. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has focused on humanitarian and non-military support while adhering to the principle of not supplying lethal weapons.
Analysts suggest that if South Korea were to accept Zelensky's request, it could worsen relations with Russia and place additional burdens on South Korea's own air defense capabilities.
On August 11, the South China Morning Post reported that experts believe while South Korea has consistently supported Ukraine against Russia and North Korea, the request for air defense system support may be challenging due to legal and policy constraints on arms transfers to conflict zones, as well as the need to consider its own defense requirements.
Ongoing Attacks Between Ukraine and Russia Result in Casualties
Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine continue to engage in daily attacks against each other.
AP reported that in recent weeks, Russian missile strikes targeting Ukrainian cities have become almost routine, with Russia exploiting Ukraine's critical shortage of Patriot missile systems for intercepting ballistic missiles. The demand for Patriot systems has surged since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, exacerbating Ukraine's air defense deficiencies.
Zelensky has been requesting support from the United States and other Western nations for several months to secure Patriot missile systems.
Despite its air defense challenges, Ukraine continues to carry out drone attacks targeting key facilities within Russia. In particular, ahead of the Russian State Duma elections in September, Ukraine is intensifying its offensive in areas far from the front lines to pressure Putin's regime.
According to Russian authorities, on August 10, the Tatarstan Republic's Nizhnekamsk, located over 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in 13 deaths and 75 injuries. Nizhnekamsk is known as an energy hub with two oil refineries and a petrochemical plant, situated approximately 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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