Ukraine calls for urgent Western response to N. Korea-Russia pact

President Zelensky described the "criminal alliance between Russia and North Korea" as a serious threat and expressed gratitude to those state leaders who do not ignore the situation and openly address the cooperation that is escalating military actions.

In his Sunday evening address, Zelensky stated that substantial indisputable evidence, in the form of satellite photos and video reports, indicates that North Korea is sending not only military equipment but also soldiers to Russia. These soldiers are reportedly being prepared for combat on the front line.

According to the Ukrainian president, increased military involvement by North Korea could be detrimental to everyone. "Unfortunately, instability and threats may increase after the North Korean army is trained to operate in modern warfare conditions," he said.

- And we expect a normal, honest, strong reaction from our partners to this. In fact, this is another state joining the war against Ukraine. (...) This must be addressed. There must be a response. We must counter this. We cannot let evil grow. If the world remains silent now, and if we end up facing North Korean soldiers on the front lines as regularly as we are defending against Shaheds, it will benefit no one in the world and will only prolong this war. A war that must be ended justly and as soon as possible," declared the Ukrainian leader.

Last week, President Zelensky accused North Korea of sending officers to Russia and preparing to send thousands of soldiers to support Russia militarily.

South Korean intelligence sources reported on Friday that North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces soldiers to the Russian Far East for training.

Quoted by the Reuters agency, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that he could not confirm reports that North Korea had sent its troops to Russia. However, he added that such a move would be concerning if proven true.