Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia is seeking to bring 30,000 North Korean troops into its war against Ukraine. His remarks point to what Kyiv sees as a possible expansion of foreign military support for Moscow as the conflict continues into its fifth year.
According to Zelenskiy, Russia is not only planning for that deployment but has already been taking steps in that direction. The statement highlights Ukraine's concern that the war could draw in more outside manpower if Moscow tries to reinforce its battlefield position.
The claim, if confirmed, would mark a significant increase in North Korean involvement in the conflict. It would also add a new dimension to international scrutiny over military cooperation between Russia and North Korea during the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskiy's comments come as the long-running conflict remains a central security issue in Europe. Any move to bring in thousands of North Korean troops would likely intensify diplomatic and military attention on Russia's strategy and on the broader role of external partners in the war.
