Zelenskyy says over 8,000 North Korean troops in Russia, more to deploy
Quick Look
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000.
- He cited new data on troop deployments and reiterated his August claim that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia.
- Zelenskyy urged South Korea to support Ukraine's air defense.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukraine has been engaged in a war with Russia since February 2022. North Korea has provided military support to Russia, including troops and weapons, since 2024. South Korea has provided humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine but has refrained from sending lethal weapons. Previous disagreements between Ukraine and South Korea have arisen over the handling of captured North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday there are more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory and preparations are underway to deploy another 10,000 troops.
Citing "new data" on the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, Zelenskiy said they were "being selected for training and subsequent deployment โ to Russia." The Ukrainian president said in August that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for โ Russia, and called on South Korea to provide support for Ukraine's air defense.
South Korea announced โin July a $100 million aid package for Ukraine, although it โexcluded lethal weapons.
Zelenskiy's comments on Monday came after Seoul โand Kyiv were โat odds over his announcement last week โthat Ukraine had transferred two captured โNorth Korean soldiers to South Korea.
Seoul expressed regret over โ his announcement, citing an agreement to keep the transfer confidential. South Korea also protested against what it called a false โ statement from โthe Ukrainian presidential office โ denying that such a confidentiality agreement existed.
North Korea has sent an โestimated 14,000-15,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine since 2024, according to Ukrainian and South โ Korean estimates, with most deployed โ in โ the Kursk โregion to help repel a Ukrainian incursion.
Pyongyang has also supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, as โwell as ballistic missiles, long-range artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems, according to Ukrainian and independent assessments. (Reuters)
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
South Korea will face increasing pressure to provide lethal military aid to Ukraine.
Likely ยท Within weeks
The number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia will exceed 20,000 in the coming months.
Possible ยท Within months
Open Questions
- What is the exact number of North Korean troops currently training for deployment to Russia?
- Will South Korea reconsider its position on providing lethal aid to Ukraine following these developments?
- How will the deployment of additional North Korean troops affect the frontline situation in Ukraine?
- What specific types of weapons and ammunition has North Korea supplied to Russia beyond artillery and missiles?
