Zelensky urges global attention to North Korean troop threat
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a statement issued on Tuesday, shared information about North Korea's plans to form two military units tasked with fighting against Ukraine's defence forces. Each unit may consist of approximately 6,000 soldiers.
22 October 2024 22:56
A few days ago, the Ukrainian president mentioned North Korea's support for the Russian aggressor. He emphasised that Ukraine is aware of this threat and prepared to confront it.
Zelensky warns: Pyongyang is sending two battalions to Ukraine
"We have information about the preparation of two units of North Korean military - maybe even two brigades of 6,000 people each. And this is a challenge. But we know how to answer it. And it is important that our partners do not hide from this challenge," he said in an appeal.
Zelensky also mentioned North Korean soldiers during a meeting with journalists on Tuesday. He reported intelligence findings on the matter. North Koreans are currently undergoing training in Russia and could be sent to fight against Ukraine at any moment.
The Ukrainian president indicated that Russia is handling this issue with great caution, mindful of a potential reaction from China. He also added that both the European Union and the United States understand the risks posed by Kim Jong Un's regime's support for Russia.
South Korea's intelligence agency revealed last week that North Korea has sent approximately 1,500 of its special forces soldiers to Russia to take part in the conflict against Ukraine. Intelligence sources from South Korea suggest that Pyongyang plans to send a total of 12,000 soldiers from elite special forces units to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, NATO confirms that Kim Jong Un’s regime may provide extensive military assistance to Vladimir Putin. However, this support is expected to be limited to arms transports. The alliance has not yet found evidence that North Korean troops from Pyongyang are fighting in Ukraine.
