Zelensky warns: Russia could receive up to 50,000 troops from North Korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Pyongyang has decided to send a force of between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to Russian territory, signaling deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia.

In an interview with the Ukrainian outlet United News, Zelensky said North Korea was exploiting the conflict in Ukraine to gain experience in modern warfare. According to him, this development could also become a threat to other Asian countries.

He added that North Korean soldiers had previously taken part in combat alongside Russian forces, while cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is expected to expand further.

Zelensky also said that Ukraine had discovered missiles manufactured in North Korea on its territory, describing this as a documented fact. “It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue to build up its experience in modern warfare, obtain licenses from Russia and acquire all kinds of military equipment from them,” he said.

According to the Ukrainian president, stronger Russian-North Korean military cooperation could affect regional security, as Pyongyang would benefit both from direct experience on the front line and from Russian military technology.

In response to this development, Zelensky called on South Korea to increase cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in the area of air defense.