Story perspectives

Zelenskyy Says Russia Gets North Korean Ballistic Missiles

8/13/2026

Center

Zelenskyy Alerts

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said August 9, 2026 that Russia is preparing to deploy 30,000-50,000 North Korean troops and has received ballistic missiles.
The statement noted that about 14,000 North Korean soldiers have fought in Russia’s Kursk region since 2024, citing a 2024 partnership treaty.
He said North Korean missiles hit Zaporizhzhia and urged South Korea to supply air-defence systems.
A Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia killed six civilians and injured nineteen.

Left

Zelenskyy Warns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 9 2026 Russia plans to host 30,000-50,000 North Korean troops and has received North Korean ballistic missiles.
Britain sanctioned several North Korean officials over the deployments and joined a coalition to monitor sanctions enforcement.
Intelligence reported a North Korean unit of 90 soldiers, six launchers, 120 missiles in Voronezh.
KN-23 and KN-24 missiles were used in strikes that killed civilians, a family in Kryvyi Rih.

History

Historical Context

Russia and North Korea first formalized military cooperation with the 30 June 1994 Treaty of Friendship signed by President Boris Yeltsin and Kim Il-sung. After Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Pyongyang backed Russian actions, deepening ties that led to the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Zelensky’s 9 August 2026 warning that Russia may station 30,000-50,000 DPRK troops reflects that legacy, prompting UK sanctions and NATO monitoring.

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Zelenskyy Alerts

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said August 9, 2026 that Russia is preparing to deploy 30,000-50,000 North Korean troops and has received ballistic missiles.
The statement noted that about 14,000 North Korean soldiers have fought in Russia’s Kursk region since 2024, citing a 2024 partnership treaty.
He said North Korean missiles hit Zaporizhzhia and urged South Korea to supply air-defence systems.
A Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia killed six civilians and injured nineteen.

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