Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned reports of a large-scale deployment of additional troops by one of Russia’s allies. He said Moscow plans to bring in approximately 30,000 North Korean soldiers to support its war against Ukraine.
“We are observing an escalation in cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Russia plans to deploy an additional 30,000 North Korean troops,” Zelensky said in a statement.
The move would further extend Pyongyang’s military involvement in the conflict.
Previously, in 2024, North Korea deployed approximately 14,000 troops to the Kursk region of Russia to help Moscow’s forces repel Ukrainian frontline offensives.
According to Zelensky, preparations to integrate and provide logistical support for the additional North Korean troops have been underway since the middle of this year.
Training facilities and military accommodation sites have reportedly been established in Voronezh, Russia, since June.
Beyond the deployment of personnel, the military cooperation is also being reinforced through arms support, with Pyongyang reportedly preparing to supply a new variant of ballistic missile launchers to strengthen Russia’s combat capabilities.
“Preparations to receive the troops have been fully carried out in the Voronezh region since June,” Zelensky said, as quoted by Reuters on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
He stressed that the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is no longer merely a threat to Ukraine’s security but has far broader regional implications, particularly for Asia.
According to Zelensky, North Korea’s direct involvement provides its military with a valuable opportunity to test weapons systems, enhance its combat doctrine, and gain real-world experience in modern warfare.
“This combat experience poses a real threat to all countries in Asia that are within the range of North Korea’s missiles,” the Ukrainian president said.
Responding to the prospect of an additional 30,000 North Korean troops, Zelensky stated that Kyiv would not remain idle and was prepared to take measured countermeasures in response to the emerging security threat.***
