Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has started additional mobilization and is increasing its use of North Korean troops. In his remarks on Monday, he says more than 8,000 North Korean troops are already present on Russian territory, and he adds that Russia plans to deploy additional forces, including an expanded presence of foreigners.
Zelensky also claims that new preparation steps are underway. Korea Times reports he says North Korea is preparing to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia, while Free Malaysia Today says his comments are based on “new data” indicating North Korean personnel are being selected for training before being sent to Russia. Across the reports, the figures cited center on the current 8,000-plus troops and an additional tranche of roughly 10,000, with Kyiv indicating further expansion through planned recruitment and deployment.
The outlets attribute these claims to Zelensky; the reports do not include independent verification, and they do not present the Russian or North Korean position.
