Russia plans to deploy up to 50,000 North Korean troops - Zelenskyy
Photo: North Koreans will learn modern warfare (Getty Images)
Russia has made a decision to have an additional 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers from North Korea on its territory to carry out tasks. This means they are gaining experience in modern warfare, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"North Koreans appear on the territory of the Russian Federation from time to time. We see this, we know this. At first, we were talking about hundreds, then thousands, and now a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia," the head of state said.
He emphasized that given that North Korea will gain experience in modern warfare from Russia, this could pose a threat to other countries in the Asian theater.
In addition, North Korea will receive licenses and all military tools from Russia. Taken together, and considering that North Korean missiles have been found on Ukrainian territory, Zelenskyy believes that South Korea should cooperate more closely with Ukraine.
"We are open to this. We would very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have a shortage. That is air defense systems. And we are ready to work on the Drone Deal and other areas as well. They have a legal restriction under their Constitution. But we would like to have this cooperation and are counting on it. Our diplomats are in contact," the president concluded.
What else is important to know
A few days ago, Bloomberg published an article stating that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's income had grown since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. In particular, between 2022 and 2025, he received $22 billion in foreign revenue.
According to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, North Korea has sent a batch of more than 100 ballistic missiles and specialized missile units to Russia. This, in turn, could lead to even greater destruction in Ukraine.
