President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia intends to increase the number of North Korean personnel on its territory to between 30,000 and 50,000.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia is planning to station between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean personnel on its territory. Zelenskyy noted that North Korean involvement has grown from hundreds to thousands, and he warned that these forces are gaining experience in modern warfare through their participation in the conflict.

Military Cooperation and Escalation

Zelenskyy highlighted that North Korea is gaining combat experience from Russia, which he suggested could lead to further crises and escalation in the Pacific region. He noted that North Korean missiles, specifically the KN-23, have already been identified on Ukrainian territory, including a strike near Kryvyi Rih that resulted in six fatalities.

Diplomatic Outreach to South Korea

In light of the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, Zelenskyy expressed a desire for closer cooperation with South Korea. While acknowledging South Korea's constitutional restrictions on providing lethal aid, he stated that Ukraine is seeking support in the form of air defense systems and potential drone deals.

Missile Deployments and Targeting

Reports indicate that a North Korean missile unit is being deployed in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, with the potential to field six launchers and up to 120 ballistic missiles. Russia has reportedly already received 40 of these missiles. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that any North Korean missile unit deployed to strike Ukraine will be considered a legitimate military target.