Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects North Korea to send about 30,000 more troops and additional missile-launch infrastructure to Russia as part of Moscow's autumn war planning. Citing Ukrainian intelligence, he said President Putin appears to have no intention of seeking peace. Zelensky warned the cooperation would give Pyongyang combat experience and pose broader risks to Asian countries within North Korean missile range. Some figures, including troop numbers and casualties, remain unconfirmed.
Zelensky Warns North Korea Could Deploy Another 30,000 Troops to Russia
FILE PHOTO - Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, speaks with German Chancellor Merz during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. (is associated with: «Zelensky expects Russia to deploy further 30,000 North Korean troops») Michael Kappeler/dpa-Pool/dpa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his Saturday nightly video address that he expects North Korea to send additional troops and heavy weapons to support Russia's campaign in Ukraine.
What Zelensky Said
Zelensky said Moscow was preparing to station roughly 30,000 more North Korean soldiers in Russia's Voronezh region and that Pyongyang planned to deliver additional launch pads for ballistic missiles to Russia. Citing Ukrainian intelligence assessments, he said these moves were part of Russian planning for the coming autumn and that President Vladimir Putin still appeared to have no intent to seek peace.
'Russia is helping North Korea to learn how to wage war, improve their weapons — giving them experience of real weapon use,' Zelensky said. 'All this is a threat to everyone in Asia who is within the range of North Korean missiles.'
Details And Context
Zelensky noted that North Korea had reportedly sent up to 15,000 troops to support Russia last year. Those fighters are said to have helped Moscow retake territory in the Kursk region after a Ukrainian offensive; some unconfirmed estimates place North Korean battlefield deaths at around 2,000. Moscow and Pyongyang remain linked by a strategic partnership treaty, and the foreign ministers of both countries recently reaffirmed close ties.
Why It Matters
Ukrainian officials warn that the transfer of personnel and missile infrastructure would not only bolster Russia's military capacity but also provide North Korea with combat experience and technical know-how that could increase risks across Asia. Independent verification of some claims remains limited, and several figures cited are described as unconfirmed.
Note: This report reflects statements made by the Ukrainian president and Ukrainian intelligence assessments. Some casualty figures and operational details have not been independently verified.
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