North Korea could deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 more military personnel to Russia as part of its growing military cooperation with Moscow, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said Russia and North Korea had reached an understanding that would see thousands of additional North Korean troops sent to Russian territory.
If the deployment takes place, it would represent a major increase compared with the number of North Korean soldiers previously sent to assist Russian forces.
According to Reuters, North Korea had already sent about 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region in 2024. The soldiers were reportedly involved in supporting Russian forces during fighting against Ukrainian troops in the area.
Zelenskyy further warned that North Korea's involvement in the conflict is giving its military personnel valuable battlefield experience. He also said Pyongyang could gain access to military knowledge and technology through its cooperation with Russia, potentially improving its military capabilities.
The possible deployment comes amid a growing relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea has continued to provide Russia with military assistance, including ballistic missiles and other weapons, as the war in Ukraine continues.
The expanding cooperation between the two countries has raised concerns in Ukraine and among other countries, particularly over the possibility that North Korea could use lessons and technology gained from the conflict to strengthen its own armed forces.
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