The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has assured that the Kremlin has requested North Korea to send 30,000 additional troops to fight in Ukraine, within the invasion initiated by the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, in February 2022.
"Russia wants to receive another 30,000 soldiers from North Korea. Since June, preparations to receive them have been underway in the Russian region of Voronezh. North Korea is also preparing to transfer additional ballistic missile launchers to Russia, which poses a threat not only to Ukraine," he indicated in a statement.
The head of the Ukrainian state has also pointed out that Moscow is "helping" Pyongyang to "learn how to wage war, improve its weapons, and gain real combat experience in their use." "All of this is a threat to everyone in Asia, which is within the range of North Korean missiles," he warned.
In parallel, he emphasized that Russia is preparing for a new wave of mobilization ahead of autumn, based on data handled by Ukrainian intelligence. "In less than seven months this year, 221,000 people have joined the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces," he expressed, calling on the international community to increase pressure to prioritize peace talks.
These statements come just days after the visit to Moscow by North Korean Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui, a trip aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation for the "long term" within the framework of the strategic plan signed in 2024 between Putin and North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un.
In recent months, North Korea has intensified its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine, including the sending of thousands of military personnel, according to accusations from Kiev and its Western partners, while Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened their political and diplomatic ties.