Zelenskiy Says Russia Preparing to Deploy 30,000 More North Korean Troops

Image Credentials: Image Title: Zelenskiy Says Russia Preparing to Deploy 30,000 More North Korean Troops. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: July 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.

By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has claimed that Russia is preparing to deploy an additional 30,000 North Korean troops to support its military campaign in Ukraine, warning that the growing partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang represents a security threat extending well beyond Eastern Europe.

Speaking during his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelenskiy said Russia had been making preparations for the deployment for several weeks and was also receiving additional military support from North Korea, including equipment for ballistic missile systems.

The claims have not been independently verified, and Russia and North Korea had not immediately commented on the allegations.

Zelensky:

Russia wants to receive another 30,000 soldiers from North Korea. Preparations are already underway in the Voronezh region to receive them starting in June.

Furthermore, North Korea is preparing to transfer new launch platforms for ballistic missiles to Russia. pic.twitter.com/wDIULM7DVL

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 25, 2026

Zelenskiy warns of expanded military cooperation

According to Zelenskiy, Moscow intends to significantly increase the number of North Korean personnel serving alongside Russian forces.

“We also see Russia’s cooperation with North Korea. Russia wants to bring in another 30,000 North Korean troops,” the Ukrainian president said.

He added that preparations to receive the additional forces had been underway since June in Russia’s Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine and has served as an important logistical area for Russian military operations.

If confirmed, the deployment would represent a major expansion of North Korea’s direct involvement in the conflict.

Previous deployment to Kursk

North Korea previously dispatched an estimated 14,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024 under a mutual defense agreement between the two countries.

Those forces were reportedly used to help Russian troops repel a major Ukrainian cross-border offensive into the region.

The deployment marked one of the most significant instances of foreign troops participating directly in support of Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Military analysts have noted that North Korean personnel gained valuable battlefield experience during those operations while strengthening political and military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Missile cooperation also alleged

Beyond troop deployments, Zelenskiy alleged that North Korea was preparing to supply Russia with additional launchers capable of firing ballistic missiles.

He argued that military cooperation between the two countries extends beyond immediate battlefield requirements and allows North Korea to improve its military capabilities through direct combat experience.

“This is a threat not only to Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said.

“Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve its weapons and gain real combat experience in using them.”

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of using North Korean-produced ballistic missiles during attacks on Ukrainian cities, although Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied those claims.

Wider security implications

The Ukrainian president warned that the growing military relationship could have consequences across Asia.

According to Zelenskiy, the experience North Korea gains from participating in the war could strengthen its armed forces and improve the effectiveness of its missile and weapons programs.

“All of this poses a threat to every country in Asia that lies within range of North Korean missiles,” he said.

Regional governments, including South Korea and Japan, have previously expressed concern over expanding military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, arguing that technology transfers and operational experience could alter the regional security balance.

Strategic partnership deepens

Relations between Russia and North Korea have grown considerably since 2023.

The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event either country comes under attack.

Since then, Western governments and intelligence agencies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery ammunition, ballistic missiles and other military equipment, while alleging that Moscow has provided technological and military assistance to Pyongyang in return.

Both governments have rejected accusations that their cooperation violates international sanctions.

Ukraine vows to respond

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would continue monitoring developments closely and pledged that Kyiv would respond to any expansion of North Korean involvement in the conflict.

As the war enters its fifth year, military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has become an increasingly important element of the broader geopolitical confrontation involving Russia, Ukraine and Western allies.

The prospect of additional North Korean troops joining the fighting could further internationalize the conflict and reinforce concerns about the emergence of new military partnerships that extend well beyond Europe.