Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 North Korean troops for the war in Ukraine. In statements shared through social media and summarizing his nightly address, Zelensky alleges that preparations have been underway since June in Russia’s Voronezh region to receive the forces and deploy them to a border area in the southwest.
The reports also say Zelensky claims North Korea is preparing to transfer additional equipment to Russia, including launchers for ballistic missiles. Zelensky presents the move as part of a broader effort to support Russia’s war effort and to gain combat experience and improve weapons through practical deployment.
The outlets do not provide independent verification of the claims, and Russia and North Korea are not cited in the provided articles. The information is therefore attributed to Zelensky’s statements. If accurate, the alleged troop transfer would represent an increase in external support for Russia’s operations and could have regional implications, according to Zelensky’s warning that North Korea’s missile capabilities could pose risks beyond Ukraine.
