Zelensky: Russia could deploy up to 50,000 North Korean troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that a decision had been made to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory to fight on behalf of Pyongyang's ally. The figure marks an increase from the 30,000 he cited in July. Zelensky did not explain how he obtained the information.

He also said Ukrainian forces had discovered North Korean missiles on Ukrainian territory, without specifying where. According to him, North Korea will keep gaining experience in modern warfare, obtaining licences from Russia, and receiving various types of military equipment.

Appeal to Seoul

Zelensky called on South Korea to deepen cooperation with Kyiv, saying Ukraine would welcome support in air defence, an area where it faces shortages. He said Ukraine was ready to work on a so-called drone deal and other forms of cooperation, adding that Ukrainian diplomats remain in contact with Seoul.

Background

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 that includes a mutual defence clause in case of external aggression. Since 2024, North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region, helping repel a Ukrainian incursion. This month, Ukrainian military intelligence told Reuters that a North Korean missile unit had begun deploying to western Russia, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. Ukraine faces a significant shortage of advanced air defence systems, which Russia has sought to exploit through increased use of ballistic missiles. Ukrainian and independent assessments say North Korea has also supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar shells, long-range artillery and multiple rocket launch systems. Neither North Korea's embassy in Russia nor South Korea's foreign ministry responded to Reuters' requests for comment.