Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged international allies to intensify pressure on Russia and to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, citing the impending arrival of North Korean troops reportedly set to join Russia’s forces in the ongoing conflict.
North Korean Soldiers on European Soil
This appeal, made during his video address on Saturday night, reflects growing concerns in Kyiv about Moscow’s increasingly close alliance with Pyongyang, as well as the potential for further escalation in the war.
Zelensky noted that each day of conflict underscores Moscow's determination to continue its aggression, pointing to its efforts to bolster weapon production and circumvent sanctions, according to Hotnews.
“This is why they increasingly see North Korea as an ally, and it’s why their soldiers may soon be fighting against Ukraine,” he stated, emphasizing the risk of Ukrainian forces facing North Korean soldiers on European soil.
In Accordance With International Law
Zelensky's warning followed recent reports from South Korean intelligence and Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence that suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia, with an initial contingent of around 3,000 reportedly arriving to support Russian operations near Ukraine.
Some reports also indicate that additional North Korean forces are being trained in eastern Russia, preparing to enter combat zones as soon as early November.
In response, Zelensky stressed that inaction from Ukraine's allies could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue his offensive. He called for concrete measures to stop Moscow, referencing Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” that outlines strategies to counter Russian advances and seek an end to the conflict.
International responses have been swift: the United States, South Korea, and Japan jointly expressed "deep concerns" about the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, with White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasizing the potential threat these forces pose to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, North Korea asserted that any troop deployment would be “in accordance with international law,” marking Pyongyang's first public acknowledgment of its military involvement.
