Ukraine is calling for a decisive and strong response from its partners regarding North Korea’s reported deployment of military personnel to support Russia in the ongoing war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, according to Ukrinform.
This week, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, revealed that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are undergoing training in Russia to join the war effort, with their deployment expected by 1 November.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the countries that have openly condemned the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea, particularly the transfer of weapons from Pyongyang and the potential compensation Moscow may offer in return.
He warned that North Korea’s involvement in the conflict could worsen instability and threats, especially if the country gains experience in modern warfare.
“We have clear evidence that North Korea is sending not just workers but soldiers to Russia. We expect a fair, strong reaction from our partners. It is essentially another nation entering the war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated.
He noted that evidence of such cooperation is available on satellite imagery and videos released by Russian sources.
“We must act. We cannot allow this evil to grow unchecked. If the world stays silent and we face North Korean soldiers on the battlefield as regularly as we defend against ‘Shaheds,’ it will only prolong the war and benefit no one,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The war, he concluded, must end swiftly and justly.
Related:
- Zelenskyy warns: North Korean troops join Russia’s war in Ukraine
- WP: thousands of North Korean troops train in Russia for potential Ukraine deployment
- Ukraine’s spy chief: 11,000 North Korean soldiers will be ready to fight against Ukraine starting from November
