Zelensky cited Ukrainian intelligence reports indicating that North Korean personnel have already been deployed to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, and that there is evidence that they are preparing additional troops to join the fight.
“We know that about 10,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared to send to fight against us,” Zelensky said during a press conference in Brussels after the European Union (EU) summit. “I think that’s a really big problem,” he added.
Ukraine warns of Russia’s growing dependence on North Korean forces
Zelensky suggested that Russia is relying on North Korean forces to compensate for its high number of casualties, as many young Russians seek ways to avoid conscription.
According to the Ukrainian president, his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, “is very afraid of mobilization” because public opinion “is against him.” He then added that because of that, he is trying to involve other participants in the war.
In addition, he highlighted the risk posed by “a second country” helping Russia in its war efforts. He mentioned that he had already discussed the matter with US officials and EU leaders during the summit.
North Korea blows up parts of inter-Korean highways on its side of the border
The possible and worrying military cooperation between North Korea and Russia after the attack in Donetsk
Earlier this month, Ukrainian media reported that six North Koreans were found among the dead following a Ukrainian missile attack. The incident occurred on October 3 in the partially occupied eastern city of Donetsk. However, Russia has denied using North Korean soldiers in its war.
If this were confirmed, it would be a sign of alarming progress in military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscowin addition to its alleged arms trade, already criticized by the international community.
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