Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Russia is preparing to deploy an additional 30,000 North Korean troops in the Voronezh region as part of its military operations in Ukraine. In his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelensky also stated that North Korea plans to supply Russia with more ballistic missile launch pads ahead of Moscow’s autumn campaign.

Citing Ukrainian intelligence, Zelensky asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwilling to pursue peace negotiations. He characterized the anticipated North Korean assistance as a significant threat not only to Ukraine but to the wider Asian region, emphasizing that Russia’s support helps North Korea gain practical combat experience and improve its weaponry.

North Korea reportedly sent up to 15,000 soldiers to assist Russia during the previous year’s conflict, with these forces playing a role in recapturing areas in Russia’s Kursk region previously taken by Ukrainian forces. Estimates suggest that at least 2,000 North Korean personnel may have been killed in the fighting, though these figures remain unconfirmed.

The strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, formalized under a treaty, has recently been reaffirmed by the foreign ministers of both countries, signaling ongoing close military and political ties. The latest developments highlight North Korea’s continuing involvement in Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine and underline broader concerns about the regional implications of this cooperation.