Zelensky: Russia preparing 30,000 North Korean troops for war
Kyiv says preparations to receive the troops have been underway in Voronezh since June, alongside plans for new missile launchers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is preparing an additional 30,000 North Korean troops to join the war against Ukraine. In a video address on July 25, he said preparations to receive the force have been underway in Voronezh region since June. Zelensky also accused Pyongyang of preparing to send new launchers for ballistic missiles to Russia. He said the military cooperation is not only a threat to Ukraine but also to Asian countries within range of North Korean missiles. Under their mutual defense pact, North Korea previously sent about 14,000 personnel to Kursk in 2024. Russia and North Korea have not yet responded officially to the allegations.