During a televised marathon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced alarming information regarding the massive expansion of North Korea's military presence on Russian territory. According to the head of state, Moscow has made a strategic decision to host between 30,000 and 50,000 military personnel from North Korea. Their primary task will not only be participation in combat operations but also gaining experience in modern warfare.
Massive Deployment: From Hundreds to Tens of Thousands
Zelenskyy emphasized the dynamic growth in the number of North Korean contingents. If initially the discussion was about hundreds of fighters, and then thousands, the situation has now reached a qualitatively new level. "We must understand that Koreans appear on Russian territory from time to time; we see this, we know this," noted the Ukrainian leader. He pointed out that this decision was made officially and implies the long-term presence of large military formations that will study the tactics and strategy of the conflict.
Technological Exchange and Threat to Asia
According to the President's statement, North Korea is receiving from Russia not only combat experience but also critically important technologies. "North Korea will receive licenses and all military tools from Russia," said Zelenskyy. This creates a serious threat to regional security in the Asia-Pacific region. Having access to modern Russian developments and combat experience, Pyongyang will be able to significantly strengthen its military potential, which could destabilize the balance of power in the region.
Call to South Korea and the Air Defense Question
In the context of these events, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on South Korea to cooperate more closely with Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine is open to dialogue and ready to offer an exchange within the framework of the Drone Deal initiative. However, the Ukrainian side is in urgent need of air defense systems that South Korea could provide. Zelenskyy acknowledged the existence of legal restrictions in South Korea related to the Constitution but expressed hope that diplomats would find ways to overcome these barriers.
Financial Aspects and Weapon Deliveries
The situation regarding military cooperation is closely linked to economic factors. Recently, Bloomberg published a report stating that the income of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un from the export of weapons and resources to Russia from 2022 to 2025 amounted to $22 billion. Furthermore, data from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine indicates the transfer to Russia of a batch of more than 100 ballistic missiles and specialized missile units. This confirms that Pyongyang is actively participating in the conflict, supplying not only personnel but also heavy weaponry.
