Russia Preparing to Receive Additional 30,000 North Korean Troops, Says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on July 25 that Russia is planning to bring 30,000 more North Korean soldiers into its war against Ukraine and that preparations for their arrival have been underway in Russia’s Voronezh region since June. He also warned that North Korea is ready to transfer additional ballistic-missile launchers to Moscow, describing the move as a threat to Ukraine and to Asian countries within missile range.

Kyiv IndependentThe Straits TimesSalem Radio Network NewsZelensky: Putin preparing for broader mobilization, planning to recruit 30,000 more North Korean troops

Under a mutual-defence pact, North Korea deployed an estimated 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024 to help repel a Ukrainian counter-offensive. Ukrainian officials have later said roughly 12,000 North Korean soldiers participated in Russia’s 2024 Kursk counter-offensive. The two authoritarian states have deepened military cooperation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, expanding both personnel exchanges and equipment transfers.

Kyiv IndependentSalem Radio Network NewsThe Straits TimesZelensky: Putin preparing for broader mobilization, planning to recruit 30,000 more North Korean troops

In his nightly video address, Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s plans extend beyond additional manpower to include new missile launchers, which he said would give North Korea combat experience and improve its weapons. He framed the development as a broader security risk, urging Ukraine’s partners to increase pressure on Moscow to prevent further mobilization.

Kyiv Independent

• “We also see Russia’s cooperation with North Korea. Russia wants to bring in another 30,000 North Korean troops,” — Ukraine’s Zelensky, ukrainian president

The Straits Times

• “Preparations have been under way in Russia’s Voronezh region since June to receive them.” — Ukraine’s Zelensky, ukrainian president

The Straits Times

• “Russia wants to receive another 30,000 troops from North Korea,” — Ukraine’s Zelensky, ukrainian president

Kyiv Independent

• “North Korea is also preparing to transfer additional launchers for ballistic missiles to Russia. This is a threat not only to Ukraine,” — Ukraine’s Zelensky, ukrainian president

Kyiv Independent