Ukraine President Zelensky Claims Russia Prepares to Deploy 10,000 More North Korean Soldiers
Summary
Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 North Korean soldiers, as more than 8,000 are already on Russian soil. The claim comes amid disputes with South Korea over captured North Korean prisoners of war and wider concerns about North Korean support for Russia's war effort.
Key Points
- Volodymyr Zelensky said new intelligence suggests Russia is preparing to train and deploy an additional 10,000 North Korean soldiers.
- He said more than 8,000 North Korean soldiers are already in Russia, and previously warned that up to 50,000 could be sent.
- Ukrainian and South Korean officials estimate North Korea has sent about 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers to Russia since 2024.
- The dispute also involves South Korea’s anger over Ukraine’s handling of captured North Korean prisoners of war.
