North Korean troops in Russia: Zelensky warns of escalation

President Zelensky stated that North Korean soldiers will be deployed in the Kursk region in western Russia by Sunday or Monday, as disclosed by intelligence sources.

"This represents an obvious step by Russia towards escalation, which holds significant implications. Contrary to any misinformation that may have emerged at the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, it's clear what Russia truly seeks: the continuation of the war. This necessitates a firm and resolute response from world leaders. The actual involvement of North Korea in military operations should not be overlooked or met with mere confusion, but rather with tangible pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to adhere to the United Nations Charter, along with sanctions for escalation," Zelensky wrote.

On Thursday, Ukrainian intelligence confirmed that the first soldiers from North Korea have already been sent to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are engaged.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine announced that it has launched an investigation to ascertain whether North Korea's support for Russia in the war constitutes a crime of aggression.

President Zelensky had previously warned that the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the front would be "the first step to world war." NATO has cautioned that if North Korean soldiers join Russian forces in Ukraine, it could signify an escalation of the conflict.

Ukrainian forces initiated a military operation in the Kursk region on 6 August. By the end of August, the Ukrainian army reported control over approximately 1,240 square kilometres of territory in that region. However, since September, Ukrainian forces have been losing ground due to a Russian counteroffensive. Experts suggest that Ukraine currently controls only about 780 square kilometres of this area's territory.