Zelensky claims Russia asked North Korea for 30,000 additional soldiers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Russia is seeking a significant troop reinforcement from North Korea, requesting an additional 30,000 soldiers.

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Russia wants to receive an additional 30,000 soldiers from North Korea. Since June, preparations have been underway in the Voronezh region of Russia to receive them.

According to Zelensky's statement on X, preparations are reportedly in progress in Russia's Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine, to accommodate these North Korean personnel. He further alleged that Pyongyang is also preparing to supply Russia with additional ballistic missile launchers.

Zelensky emphasized that such a deployment poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to international security. He warned that Russia's actions could be seen as aiding North Korea in gaining combat experience and improving its weaponry, thereby posing a risk to nations in Asia within missile range.

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North Korea is also preparing to transfer additional launchers for ballistic missiles to Russia.

This claim follows a recent visit by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to Moscow. During that visit, North Korea expressed "unwavering support" for Russia's policies regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Cooperation between North Korea and Russia has intensified since the start of the war in early 2022.

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This is not only a threat to Ukraine. Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve its weapons, and gain real combat experience in their use. All of this is a threat to everyone in Asia who is within range of North Korean missiles.

Experts suggest that in return for military supplies and potential troop deployments, North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, and essential resources from Russia, helping it circumvent international sanctions.

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The North Korean side has expressed its unwavering support for all domestic and foreign policies of the Russian Federation aimed at eliminating the root cause of the Ukrainian conflict and defending its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international justice.