Zelenskyy claims North Korea sending troops to Russia, asks South Korea for air defense aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urgently requested air defense systems from South Korea, citing intelligence that North Korea intends to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to support Russia. Zelenskyy asserted on social media that the number of North Korean soldiers in Russian territory is steadily increasing, escalating from hundreds to thousands, and now potentially tens of thousands.

Zelenskyy further warned that North Korean troops, with their combat experience, could pose a threat to other Asian nations. He revealed that North Korean missiles have been discovered in Ukraine, indicating their use in recent attacks. Ukraine's intelligence services previously claimed Russia planned to deploy North Korean missile units, and the Ukrainian government reported that North Korean missiles had struck civilian areas in central Ukraine, resulting in at least five deaths.

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North Korean troops are being deployed to the territory of the Russian Federation, from hundreds to thousands, and now the decision has been made to deploy 30,000–50,000 North Korean troops.

"Therefore, South Korea must cooperate more closely with Ukraine," Zelenskyy stated, expressing hope for support in areas where Ukraine faces shortages, particularly air defense systems. He also indicated readiness for cooperation in drone technology and other fields, noting that diplomatic channels are active.

Ukraine's air defense capabilities are reportedly depleted, leading to increased casualties from Russian missile attacks. In a recent incident on August 5th, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones, none of which Ukraine could intercept, causing at least 17 deaths and over 40 injuries. South Korea has adhered to a policy of not supplying lethal weapons since the start of the Ukraine war, though it has provided indirect support, such as selling 100,000 155mm artillery shells to the U.S. in 2022 and lending 500,000 shells in 2023, which the U.S. then supplied to Ukraine.

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Therefore, South Korea must cooperate more closely with Ukraine. We hope to receive support from South Korea in areas where we have shortages, such as air defense systems.