(Ukraine, 26th) — Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on the 25th that Russia plans to recruit 30,000 North Korean soldiers to participate in the conflict that has lasted for over four years, and has already begun preparations to receive these troops.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will respond to this threat.
In 2024, North Korea sent about 14,000 soldiers to Russia to assist Russian forces against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. Western estimates put North Korean casualties at around 6,000 soldiers killed.
In his nightly address, Zelensky said: “We are also witnessing cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Russia wants to bring in another 30,000 North Korean soldiers. We have found that since June, Russia has already begun to prepare for receiving these troops in the Voronezh region.”
He also stated that North Korea is preparing to provide Russia with new ballistic missile launchers. He said: “This poses a threat not only to Ukraine. Russia is helping North Korea learn how to fight, improve the performance of its weapons, and accumulate combat experience.”