Russia plans to conscript 30,000 North Korean soldiers, Zelenskyy says; Ukraine will respond to threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed intelligence indicating Russia's intention to conscript 30,000 North Korean soldiers to bolster its forces in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy stated that Russia has already begun preparations to receive these troops in its Voronezh region, signaling a significant escalation in military cooperation between the two nations.

According to Zelenskyy's nightly video address, North Korea is also preparing to provide Russia with new ballistic missile launchers. This development follows an earlier deployment where North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region in 2024 under a mutual defense agreement, assisting Moscow in repelling Ukrainian advances.

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We also witness the cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Russia wants to bring in another 30,000 North Korean soldiers. We have found that since June, Russia has begun preparations to receive these troops in the Voronezh region.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this deepening military partnership poses a threat extending beyond Ukraine. He warned that Russia is actively assisting North Korea in refining its combat capabilities, enhancing weapon performance, and gaining practical combat experience. Ukraine has vowed to respond to this escalating threat.

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This is not only a threat to Ukraine. Russia is helping North Korea learn how to fight, improve weapon performance, and gain combat experience.