Zelenskyy Says Up to 50,000 North Korean Troops Will Deploy to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said North Korea could deploy up to 50,000 troops to Russia, sharply increasing his earlier estimate of about 30,000. He made the claim on social media. Meanwhile, Ukraine has found North Korean missiles on its territory, according to Ukrainian authorities. The reports point to deeper military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.

North Korea has already expanded its military support for Russia. Ukrainian officials have previously reported that North Korean troops fought alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. Moscow and Pyongyang also signed a mutual-defence treaty in 2024, further strengthening their military ties. However, neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly confirmed Zelenskyy’s latest estimate of 50,000 troops.

North Korean Troops and Missile Transfers Raise Stakes in Russia’s War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that North Korea is using the war to gain combat experience and access to modern military technology from Russia. According to Ukrainian intelligence, a North Korean missile unit could involve about 90 personnel, up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. Some of the missiles have already been delivered. Ukrainian officials have also linked North Korean weapons to attacks on Ukraine.

North Korea has already sent thousands of personnel to support Russia’s war effort. According to reports, around 14,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia’s Kursk region in 2024. Additional North Korean personnel have also supported demining and reconstruction work. In addition, Pyongyang has supplied Russia with large quantities of artillery ammunition and ballistic missiles. The growing flow of troops, weapons and military support has strengthened the Russia-North Korea partnership. It has also added a significant new dimension to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelenskyy Seeks More Air Defence Support From South Korea

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has urged South Korea to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities as Russian missile attacks continue. Ukraine has faced shortages of missile interceptors, including those needed for U.S. supplied Patriot systems. In addition, Ukraine received only about one-third of the interceptors it had received from allies in 2025. The shortage has increased concerns about Kyiv’s ability to counter ballistic missile attacks. Zelenskyy has also proposed cooperation with South Korea on drone technology and defence production. However, the immediate focus remains on strengthening Ukraine’s ability to protect its cities and critical infrastructure from Russian strikes.

The appeal comes as Russia and North Korea deepen their military cooperation under the 2024 mutual-defence pact. North Korean missile transfers could place additional pressure on Ukraine’s already limited air-defence resources. At the same time, Kyiv is seeking stronger international support as the war continues. The reported expansion of North Korean military involvement has therefore created a broader challenge for Ukraine, combining additional troops, missile threats and greater pressure on its air-defence capacity.

Web Resources On 50,000 North Korean troops could deploy to Russia

1. Reuters.com : Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says up to 50,000 North Korean troops to be deployed in Russia.
2. Guardian.com : Ukraine war briefing, North Korea sending 50,000 troops to Russia, Zelenskyy.
3. Euro News.com : Russia preparing to station more North Korean troops on its territory, Zelenskyy says.