Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused North Korea of increasing its involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, claiming that Pyongyang is now providing not only weapons but also military personnel to support Moscow’s invasion. In his speech this week, Zelensky stated: “This is no longer just a transfer of weapons. In reality, it is about the transfer of people from North Korea to the occupying military forces“.
In recent months, international media have reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with critical military equipment, including artillery shells and ballistic missiles, bolstering Russia’s dwindling arsenal. However, it was the deployment of North Korean troops that raised serious concerns among Ukraine’s allies.
Reports from Ukrainian military intelligence, confirmed by Zelensky on October 14, suggest this Russia plans to engage North Korean forces directly in combat operations during the fall and winter. These reports indicate that North Korean personnel are already on the ground, assisting Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, particularly in regions such as Donetsk, where missile attacks have reportedly killed several North Korean officers. Although the claim has not been verified by a third party, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said it was “very likely” that North Korean troops were in Ukraine.
The emerging alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang was formalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, his first visit in 25 years. The two countries signed a strategic defense agreement, further strengthening their military ties. The mutual defense pact includes provisions for mutual military support in the event of an external attack, marking a milestone in strengthening their partnership.
The deployment of North Korean troops serves several purposes for both countries. For Russia, this helped overcome personnel shortages, exacerbated by months of heavy fighting and significant losses. For North Korea, the conflict offers an opportunity to test its military capabilities and gain battlefield experience, knowledge it can later use for its own regional ambitions..
Western governments have expressed concern about escalating ties between Russia and North Korea. Pentagon officials, in particular, have expressed similar fears, and Some have described North Korean troops in Ukraine as “cannon fodder” in Russia’s grueling war.. This comes as the Kremlin continues to reject reports of North Korean involvement as “fake news.”
