Zelenskyy Warns of Potential Deployment of 50,000 North Korean Troops to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could arrive in Russia to assist in the fight against Ukraine. This figure represents an increase from a previous estimate of 30,000 announced by the president in July. Zelenskyy noted that North Korea is seeking experience in modern warfare and is receiving military tools and licenses from Russia. He also mentioned that North Korean missiles have already been found on Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian military intelligence previously reported that a North Korean missile unit, potentially equipped with six launchers and 120 ballistic missiles, has begun deploying to western Russia. Earlier in 2024, an estimated 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to the Kursk region to help repel a Ukrainian ground incursion. North Korea has also supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, though some Russian sources have questioned the quality of these munitions.

In response to these developments, Zelenskyy has called on South Korea to increase cooperation, specifically requesting support for Ukraine's air defense systems. Ukrainian diplomats are currently working with Seoul to reach agreements on these needs. Separately, US congressional documents indicate that Turkey plans to sell Ukraine a weapons package including 70 Atacms short range ballistic missiles, 12 M270 multiple launch rocket systems, and 47,000 artillery rounds, pending US approval.

Recent hostilities continue with Russian strikes hitting residential buildings and energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Odesa, and Pavlohrad. The World Health Organization reported that a medical supply warehouse in Dnipro was destroyed. Meanwhile, Ukraine has conducted drone strikes against Russian targets in the Belgorod region and Novorossiysk, while a drone incident led Bulgaria to summon the Ukrainian ambassador.