Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to support Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine war, an increase from previous estimates.
“North Koreans appear on the territory of the Russian Federation from time to time,” he said. “At first, we were talking about hundreds, then thousands, and now a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia.” The potential deployment of 50,000 troops far exceeds the original estimate of 30,000 released in late July.
North Korea and Russia have strengthened diplomatic ties in recent years, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in June 2024, which stipulated that both countries must use all available means to provide military assistance to the other if attacked. North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in October 2024 and has supplied Moscow with ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems.
“We have already found North Korean missiles on the territory of Ukraine,” Zelensky also said. “Today, this is an established fact. 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. We understand this very clearly.” Russia has provided North Korea with air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones, and space technology in exchange for defense support, according to a South Korean assessment.
Zelensky used the announcement to call on South Korea for air defense assistance as Ukraine’s supplies continue to dwindle.
“Therefore, in my view, the Republic of Korea should have closer cooperation with Ukraine,” he said. “We would like very much to receive support from South Korea… and we are ready to work on the Drone Deal and other areas as well. They have a legal restriction under their Constitution. But we would like to have this cooperation and are counting on it. Our diplomats have been in contact.”