Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has issued a blunt demand to his Western allies, calling for decisive action in response to North Korea’s growing military presence in Russia, particularly near the Ukrainian border. In a passionate video address posted on Telegram, Zelenskiy warned that North Korean troops, now allegedly numbering in the thousands, are not just supporting Russia but preparing for potential combat alongside Russian forces.
“The first thousands of soldiers from North Korea are near the Ukrainian border,” Zelenskiy stated. “Ukrainians will be forced to defend themselves against them, and the world will watch again.” His remarks were interwoven with powerful images of North Korean military drills, missile launches, and scenes from the Ukrainian battlefield, underscoring his message of urgency.
A Dire Warning to the West
In his message, Zelenskiy did not mince words, pointing to what he described as a lack of real support from Ukraine’s allies. “America watches, Britain watches, Germany watches…” he declared, lamenting that while these nations publicly oppose the expansion of the war, they have yet to provide the long-range weaponry Ukraine urgently needs to counter the North Korean threat.
“Words about the inadmissibility of escalation and expansion of war must be matched with actions,” Zelenskiy continued, underscoring his frustration over what he perceives as a passive stance by Ukraine’s supporters. He warned that without a swift and substantial response, North Korea’s involvement could dangerously expand the scope of the conflict.
North Korean Forces on the Frontline?
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as many as 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia, with around 8,000 reportedly stationed in the Kursk region—an area that has seen Ukrainian incursions as recently as August. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine has accurately located each North Korean unit within Russia but lacks the necessary long-range weaponry to act upon this intelligence.
The Ukrainian president’s video followed an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS, where he criticized the “zero response” from his allies to Russia’s mobilization of North Korean forces. His warning comes as North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui reaffirmed her country’s commitment to Russia’s “victory” in the Ukraine conflict during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday.
Strategic Implications and Rising Tensions
For the Western powers supporting Ukraine, North Korea’s involvement raises troubling questions about the shifting dynamics of the war. While Ukrainian forces have focused on defending against Russian advances, the entry of North Korean troops could stretch Ukrainian resources even thinner, leaving Kyiv increasingly vulnerable without enhanced support from the West.
Zelenskiy’s call to action highlights the urgency for his allies to reassess their strategic support, as the Ukrainian military may soon be confronted by a new, highly-trained adversary. Could this new alliance signal a deeper geopolitical shift, one that the West may soon find impossible to ignore?
Sources for this article include:
Statements from President Zelenskiy’s Telegram channel, updates from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and coverage by Reuters and South Korea’s KBS network.
