Zelensky Says North Korea May Send Up to 50,000 Troops to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that North Korea could deploy as many as 50,000 troops to Russia, citing growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. He did not disclose the source of the figure. Zelensky warned that North Korean forces could gain valuable battlefield experience and military technology through the deployment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that North Korea could deploy as many as 50,000 troops to Russia, pointing to what he described as deepening military cooperation between the two countries. Zelensky did not specify the source of the figure or provide further detail on timing.
Pyongyang has already sent thousands of troops and munitions to support Russia's war effort, according to Western officials, and the two countries signed a mutual defense pact in 2024. Moscow has not commented on Zelensky's latest claim, and North Korea has not responded publicly.
Zelensky warned that any expanded deployment would give North Korean forces valuable combat experience and potential access to Russian military technology, raising concerns in Seoul and Washington about the long-term security implications for the region. Ukrainian officials say they are monitoring for further signs of North Korean involvement along the front line.
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