Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has raised alarms about North Korea’s increasing military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He claimed that not only is North Korea supplying weapons, but they are also sending soldiers to bolster Russian forces in occupied territories.
This assertion, made during his nightly address on October 13, underscores the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang as they engage more closely amid the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy’s claims follow reports from Ukrainian media indicating that six North Korean soldiers were killed in a missile strike in the Donetsk region on October 3. Although these reports remain unverified, they add to the concerns surrounding North Korea’s role in the war.
Additionally, the Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, reported that several thousand North Korean troops may already be in Russia and are being prepared for deployment in Ukraine. This revelation marks a significant development as the conflict nears its third anniversary.
Further complicating matters, Zelenskiy indicated that North Korea has been providing Russia with essential military supplies, including artillery shells and short-range missiles, according to intelligence from South Korea.
Zelenskiy Warns of North Korea’s Military Involvement in Ukraine as Alliance with Russia Deepens
While the Kremlin has dismissed such claims, it has refrained from addressing Zelenskiy’s assertions directly. The partnership between North Korea and Russia emphasizes the pressing need for Ukraine to secure additional military support from its Western allies to counteract this intensified pressure.
In response to these escalating threats, Zelenskiy has been actively engaging with Western leaders to secure military assistance. His recent diplomatic tour through Britain, Germany, France, and Italy focused on urging these nations to enhance their support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
He emphasized that increased military supplies should not only involve quantity but also improved capabilities, especially long-range systems, to effectively respond to Russian advances and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Amid these developments, international attention remains fixed on the situation in Ukraine, particularly with U.S. President Joe Biden’s impending visit to Germany on October 18. This visit aims to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical context, including the Middle East.
On the front lines, the situation remains dire, with ongoing Russian shelling resulting in casualties and efforts to capture strategic areas, further illustrating the urgent need for comprehensive support for Ukraine as it navigates this complex and escalating conflict.
