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Zelenskyy Says 8,000 North Korea Troops in Russia

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 6:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Zelenskyy: NK Troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 8,000 North Korea troops are stationed in Russia.
He added preparations aim to send an additional 10,000 North Korea soldiers to Russia.
Zelenskyy claimed Russia supplies technology enabling North Korea to produce Shahed-type attack drones locally.
Kyiv chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov warned North Korea combat experience could threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Summary

Russia Expands Forces

Russia announced a 5.2 million-ruble first-year salary for contract soldiers in Moscow.
A September 28 decree raised the armed forces’ authorized strength to 2,441,630, adding 15,500 active personnel.
The expansion marks the fourth increase this year, bringing total additions since March to 47,860.
Analyst Alexey D. Muraviev says the growth reflects long-term NATO concerns rather than immediate battlefield needs.

History

Historical Context

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on 25 December 1979, deploying up to 115,000 troops and sustaining 14,453 military deaths before the last column left on 15 February 1989. The decade-long war, backed by the United States and Pakistan, strained Soviet resources and is cited as a factor in the USSR’s 1991 collapse. NATO now cites that precedent while reassessing deterrence in Eastern Europe.

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Zelenskyy: NK Troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 8,000 North Korea troops are stationed in Russia.
He added preparations aim to send an additional 10,000 North Korea soldiers to Russia.
Zelenskyy claimed Russia supplies technology enabling North Korea to produce Shahed-type attack drones locally.
Kyiv chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov warned North Korea combat experience could threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula.

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