In a stark warning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine may soon be forced to confront North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces on the front lines. During his evening address on October 26, Zelensky highlighted the troubling alliance forming between Moscow and Pyongyang, noting, “Any day now their soldiers may appear on the battlefield fighting against Ukraine.”
This alarming statement follows intelligence reports suggesting that a contingent of North Korean troops is on its way to Russia’s Kursk region to bolster Moscow’s efforts against Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive launched in August. Zelensky revealed that the first North Korean soldiers are expected to be deployed to combat zones as early as October 27-28.
According to sources, these troops are currently undergoing training at various military facilities in Russia, including locations in Ekaterinoslavka and Knyaze-Volkonskoe. Although U.S. officials have not yet confirmed the direct combat involvement of these North Korean forces, estimates suggest that thousands may be rapidly assigned to front-line roles.
The implications of this potential deployment are significant, with estimates of North Korean troops in Russia varying widely. Some reports suggest that up to 10,000 troops, including a contingent of 500 officers and three generals, could be sent to support Russia’s military operations. The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine would mark a disturbing escalation in the conflict, drawing in a nation known for its authoritarian regime and military aggression.
Zelensky’s comments come amidst escalating tensions, as he urged Western allies to take “stronger decisions in support of Ukraine” to counteract the growing threat. He emphasized that the world has the capability to halt the war’s progression, insisting that “concrete steps are needed” rather than mere abstractions.
In response to these developments, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol indicated that the nation might reconsider its ban on supplying lethal arms to Ukraine, a move that reflects the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea. As the situation unfolds, the potential for a broader conflict looms large, prompting urgent calls for international action to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.
