Zelensky: North Korea Prepares to Deploy 10,000 Soldiers in Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that there are more than 8,000 North Korean soldiers on Russian territory, and that preparations are underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops.

Zelenskyy referred to “new data” on the deployment of North Korean forces to Russia, stating in a post on the X platform that the troops “are being selected for training and subsequent deployment in Russia.”

In August, Zelenskyy had mentioned that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight alongside Russia, and he called on South Korea to provide air defense support to Ukraine.

Seoul announced in July a $100 million aid package for Kyiv, but excluded lethal weapons from the assistance.

Zelenskyy’s remarks on Monday came after a dispute between Seoul and Kyiv following his announcement last week that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

Seoul expressed regret over the announcement, citing an agreement that required maintaining confidentiality regarding the transfer operation.

According to estimates from Kyiv and Seoul, North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 soldiers since 2024 to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, with most deployed in the Kursk region to help repel Ukrainian incursions.