Zelenskyy Alleges Russia Plans to Deploy 30,000 North Korean Soldiers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has leveled a serious accusation against Russia, alleging a plan to enlist 30,000 North Korean soldiers to bolster its forces in the ongoing conflict. In a late-night address, Zelenskyy revealed that Russia is actively preparing to receive these foreign combatants.

"We are also seeing Russia's cooperation with North Korea," Zelenskyy stated. "Russia wants to bring in another 30,000 North Korean soldiers." He further detailed that preparations for their arrival have been ongoing since June in the Voronezh region, a key Russian military hub.

Zelenskyy's claims point to a deepening military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. He cited a defense pact signed between the two nations, asserting that North Korea has already dispatched 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces. This alleged deployment, according to Zelenskyy, occurred in the Kursk region in 2024, following an incursion by Ukrainian forces into the area.

The Ukrainian president's revelations suggest a significant escalation in Russia's strategy, potentially drawing on international support to sustain its war efforts. The alleged involvement of North Korean troops raises further concerns about the international implications of the conflict and the expanding network of military cooperation.