Zelenskyy says Russia preparing more troops, using North Korean missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean troops and has received more ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. Zelenskyy has consistently warned about deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang while seeking air defense supplies from the West.

"This is the first time they cannot wage war without reinforcements from North Korea," Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, referring to Russian forces. "Now they are preparing to deploy an additional contingent of Koreans to their territory. Imagine, they have received more ballistic missiles from North Korea," he added.

The Ukrainian leader did not provide evidence or a timeline for his claims. However, he urged Japan and South Korea to supply air defense aid, arguing it is necessary to contain Pyongyang's growing military strength, which is enhanced by its experience assisting Moscow. Zelenskyy had previously stated that Russia decided to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans onto Russian territory, though he did not explain the source of these figures.

North Korea has become one of Russia's closest military partners since Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024. Moscow reportedly used North Korean troops late last year to push Ukrainian forces out of the border region of Kursk. South Korean authorities estimate that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers died on the battlefield.

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This is the first time they cannot wage war without reinforcements from North Korea. Now they are preparing to deploy an additional contingent of Koreans to their territory. Imagine, they have received more ballistic missiles from North Korea.