Ukrainian President claims deployment of North Korean troops to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed in Russia to fight for Pyongyang’s ally, while also urging South Korea to provide support for its air defence, reports BritPanorama.
Zelenskyy announced on X that “a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia,” a figure that’s higher than his July estimate of 30,000. He did not disclose how this information was obtained.
He noted that Ukrainian forces had discovered North Korean missiles within its territory, although he omitted specifics on their locations.
“It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue to build its experience in modern warfare, receive licenses from Russia, and receive all kinds of military tools from them,” he remarked.
Zelenskyy called for closer cooperation from South Korea, indicating that Ukraine would “very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have a shortage,” specifically referring to air defence systems.
He expressed readiness to work on drone agreements and other areas, adding that Ukrainian diplomats are currently “in contact” with Seoul to facilitate potential deals.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea has strengthened, with President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim having signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during Putin’s June 2024 visit to Pyongyang. The accord includes a provision for mutual assistance in cases of external aggression.
North Korea has framed its military deployment as support for a treaty partner. Reports indicate that approximately 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia’s Kursk Region in 2024, playing a part in helping Moscow repel significant incursions by Ukrainian forces.
This month, an official at Ukraine’s military intelligence indicated to Reuters that a North Korean missile unit is beginning to deploy to western Russia, reportedly equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers intended for strikes against Ukraine.
Ukraine faces significant shortages in high-end air defences, a vulnerability that Russia has sought to exploit by increasing its use of ballistic missiles, which are notably difficult to intercept.
Independent assessments suggest that North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems.
The North Korean Embassy in Russia did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry also did not issue a response to a similar inquiry outside business hours.
The situation continues to evolve, underscoring the unfolding complexities of military alliances in the region.
