Zelensky warns Russia of up to 50,000 North Korean troops on its soil

In a recent X message, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia plans to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers, exceeding his prior July estimate of 30,000. He noted that Ukrainian forces have uncovered North Korean missiles on Ukrainian territory, though he did not specify where they were found. Zelensky urged South Korea to provide air-defence equipment, highlighting Ukraine’s critical shortage in that area, and said diplomatic contacts are underway to discuss a drone procurement agreement and other cooperation.

The troop movement follows a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim during Putin’s June 2024 visit to Pyongyang, which obliges each side to assist the other against external aggression. To date, North Korea has already sent roughly 14,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region and is reportedly deploying a missile unit to western Russia equipped with ballistic missiles and launchers.

Ukrainian and independent analysts say North Korea continues to supply Russia with large quantities of artillery, mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, and multiple-launch rocket systems. The North Korean Embassy in Russia and South Korea’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.