North Korea Calls Zelensky's Plans for 50,000 Soldiers a 'Staged Act': Pyongyang Rejects Allegations of Expanding Contingent in Russia

On August 19, 2026, news emerged of Pyongyang's sharp response to recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Previously, the Ukrainian leader announced Russia's intention to recruit between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean military personnel to participate in combat operations on Ukrainian territory. However, the top leadership of North Korea categorically refuted this information, calling it "groundless" and a "staged incident".

Official Position of Pyongyang: 'Staged Act' and False Accusations

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, made an official statement in which she directly accused the Ukrainian leadership of spreading disinformation. According to her, Zelensky's assessment of the possible deployment of additional troops is the result of his own political game. Kim Yo Jong emphasized that Pyongyang has no intention of expanding its military contingent in Russia and that any such claims lack factual basis. She also shifted the blame for prolonging the conflict to the United States and Western countries, asserting that it is their policy that is provoking an escalation of tensions.

Reaction to Relations with the US and South Korea

In her speech, Kim Yo Jong touched upon the topic of relations with Washington. Despite the fact that US President Donald Trump previously issued an order to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, Pyongyang continues to consider US policy hostile. Kim Yo Jong noted that, although relations between the leaders of the two countries were "truly remarkable" in the past, the US continues to conduct maneuvers with Seoul, which, in Pyongyang's view, threatens its security. This statement underscores that North Korea sees the actions of the US and its allies as the main threat to its existence.

Zelensky's Statements: Threat to the Region and Technology Transfer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously warned that sending North Korean troops to Russia could have serious consequences for regional security. He emphasized that, by gaining experience in modern warfare from Russia, North Korea could become a threat to other states in Asia. Furthermore, Zelensky noted that Pyongyang would receive licenses and military technology from Russia, which would enhance its military potential. These statements caused a wide resonance and led to the need for an official response from North Korea.

Financial and Military Aspects of Cooperation

According to Bloomberg, between 2022 and 2025, North Korea received $22 billion in revenue thanks to cooperation with Russia. This testifies to Pyongyang's significant economic interest in the Russian market. Furthermore, according to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, Pyongyang transferred more than 100 ballistic missiles to Russia and deployed specialized missile units. This could strengthen Russia's missile strikes and lead to more extensive destruction in Ukraine. Thus, although North Korea denies sending additional troops, actual military cooperation between the two countries continues.

Contradictory Data

There are discrepancies between the official statements of Pyongyang and intelligence data. On the one hand, North Korea categorically denies the intention to send additional troops to Russia, calling such statements "groundless". On the other hand, Ukrainian intelligence and Western sources report the transfer of missiles and specialized units, which indicates real military cooperation. These contradictions create uncertainty regarding Pyongyang's true intentions and the scale of its involvement in the conflict.