KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has raised alarms over North Korea’s deepening involvement in Russia’s military activities, revealing significant troop casualties and warning of potential reinforcements. Speaking after consultations with top military officials, Zelenskiy indicated that over 3,000 North Korean personnel had been killed or injured in Russia’s Kursk region, a critical area of ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy expressed concerns about the likelihood of North Korea increasing its support for Moscow by sending additional troops and military hardware. “The risks are real, and Ukraine will respond decisively,” he stated in his address. The reported casualties exceed earlier assessments by South Korean intelligence, which estimated around 1,100 North Korean losses. However, Zelenskiy emphasized that his figures are based on preliminary data, urging vigilance as the situation develops.
North Korea’s involvement has extended beyond manpower. Reports suggest Pyongyang is preparing to manufacture suicide drones for Russia, complementing artillery systems it has already supplied. Ukrainian officials have called on global allies to address the broader implications of this partnership, framing it as a threat to international stability.
“This collaboration between Russia and North Korea endangers not just our region but the entire global order,” Zelenskiy stressed. He urged stronger measures to counter the alliance, emphasizing that the cost of preventive action is far less than the potential fallout of unchecked destabilization.
As international scrutiny grows, North Korea’s motivations and Russia’s reliance on external military support are drawing increased attention, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and global security dynamics.