Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said new intelligence assessments indicate that between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russia to fight alongside Russian forces.

The assessment represents a significant increase from previous estimates by Kyiv regarding the scale of North Korea’s military support for Moscow.

Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian forces had recovered remnants of North Korean missiles on Ukrainian territory, adding to concerns over Pyongyang’s growing involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials have warned that North Korea is gaining valuable modern combat experience and access to advanced Russian military technologies in return for providing personnel and ammunition.

Kyiv seeks stronger defence ties with South Korea

Against the backdrop of deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, Zelenskyy has called on South Korea to strengthen defence cooperation with Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president has specifically sought air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies from Seoul, as Kyiv continues efforts to bolster its defences against Russian missile and drone attacks.

Ukrainian officials are also pursuing diplomatic channels aimed at securing defence supply agreements with South Korea.

Russia and North Korea have significantly expanded military cooperation since Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in June 2024.

The agreement includes a mutual defence provision, further deepening the strategic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Western and allied defence analysts have warned that the expanding partnership could have implications beyond the war in Ukraine, potentially affecting security dynamics in both Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

The latest developments underline growing concerns in Kyiv and among its allies over North Korea’s expanding military role in support of Russia.