KIEV.– The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed in Russian territory to fight alongside Moscow's forces, a figure that significantly raises previous estimates about Pyongyang's involvement in the war and deepens its military alliance with the Kremlin.
"A decision has been made to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans in Russian territory," Zelensky wrote on Saturday on X. The leader did not specify how he obtained this information. In July, he estimated that about 30,000 soldiers were sent by Kim Jong-un's regime.
The Ukrainian president also assured that Kyiv found North Korean missiles that fell on Ukrainian territory, although he did not reveal where they were found. For Zelensky, Pyongyang's intervention not only represents a reinforcement for Russian troops but also an opportunity for the Asian regime to acquire military knowledge and technology.
"It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue gaining experience in modern warfare, will obtain licenses from Russia, and will receive all kinds of military equipment from this country," he said.
In this context, Zelensky urged South Korea to deepen its military cooperation with Ukraine and raised a specific need: air defense systems. "We would very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have deficiencies," he noted.
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Kiev.– The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed in Russian territory to fight alongside Moscow's forces, a figure that significantly raises previous estimates of Pyongyang's involvement in the war and deepens its military alliance with the Kremlin. "A decision has been made to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans in Russian territory," Zelensky wrote on Saturday on X. The leader did not specify how he obtained this information. In July, he had estimated that about 30,000 soldiers were sent by Kim Jong-un's regime. Putin and Kim shake handsAlexander Kazakov - Pool Sputnik Kremlin The Ukrainian president also assured that Kiev found North Korean missiles that fell in Ukrainian territory, although he did not reveal where they were found. For Zelensky, Pyongyang's intervention not only represents a reinforcement for Russian troops but also an opportunity for the Asian regime to incorporate military knowledge and technology. "It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue to gain experience in modern warfare, obtain licenses from Russia, and receive all kinds of military equipment from this country," he said. In this context, Zelensky urged South Korea to deepen its military cooperation with Ukraine and raised a specific need: air defense systems. "We would very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have deficiencies," he noted. He also assured that Kiev is willing to advance with Seoul on a "Drone Deal" and in other areas, and that Ukrainian diplomats are already in contact to promote possible agreements. North Korean participation in the war deepened after Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a global strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 during a visit by the Russian president to Pyongyang. The pact includes mutual assistance if either country faces external aggression, and North Korea has presented the deployment of its troops as aid to an ally protected by this agreement. This photograph, taken on June 6, 2026, and published by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) through KNS on June 7, 2026, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Children's Union at Kim Il-sung Stadium in PyongyangSTR - KCNA VIA KNS So far, it is estimated that Pyongyang sent about 14,000 soldiers to the Russian region of Kursk in 2024, where they helped Moscow repel a significant incursion by Ukrainian forces. Zelensky's new estimate would therefore imply a substantial increase in North Korea's military presence in Russia. The statements come at a time of new attacks from both sides and renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. Pope Leo XIV asked on Sunday for Russia and Ukraine to stop the attacks and give "an opportunity to diplomacy," while Zelensky announced that this week he will hold "new contacts with mediators" to address a negotiated solution. However, Moscow again questioned the intentions of the Ukrainian leader. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused Zelensky "and his clique" of seeking to prolong the conflict as the "only way to stay in power" and assured that Russia has "no other choice" but to continue its military objectives in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr ZelenskyTeresa Suarez - POOL EPAL The tension also increased after a Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhnekamsk, in the Russian republic of Tatarstan, about 1000 kilometers from the front. Moscow reported that 13 people died, including a child, and another 75 were injured. The Ukrainian General Staff claimed responsibility for the operation and stated that the target was the Taneko refinery, owned by Tatneft. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported new Russian bombings. Five people died in Bugaivka, in the Kharkiv region, after artillery attack on a residential area, while another person died in Kherson when a drone hit a taxi. In Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian authorities reported that 18 people were injured by Russian glide bombs. The involved embassies and ministries did not provide further details about the possible deployment. Agencies Reuters and ANSA War in Ukraine