Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says North Korea has supplied Russia with additional ballistic missiles and is preparing to send tens of thousands of troops to Russia for training.
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that North Korea has supplied Russia with additional ballistic missiles to support Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. In his latest evening address, Zelensky also alleged that Pyongyang is preparing to send tens of thousands of troops to Russia for training.
The Ukrainian leader warned that growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could create a wider security threat for countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Zelensky said North Korea has provided Moscow with ballistic missiles that are being used to support Russia's military campaign against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president described the growing involvement of Pyongyang as a significant development in the war and claimed Russia is increasingly dependent on North Korean military assistance.
According to Zelensky, North Korea is not only supplying weapons but is also preparing to provide additional manpower to Russia. He reiterated his claim that tens of thousands of North Korean troops could be sent to Russia for training.
The allegations highlight the expanding military relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelensky said Russia's reliance on North Korean support represents a major shift in the conflict.
“For the first time in its history, Russia cannot wage war without reinforcements from North Korea,” Zelensky said, arguing that the growing cooperation demonstrates Moscow's need for external military assistance.
The reported transfer of additional ballistic missiles could provide Russia with more capabilities for long-range attacks against Ukrainian targets.
Kyiv has repeatedly warned about military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly over the supply of missiles, ammunition and personnel.
Zelensky also warned that North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war could have consequences beyond Europe.
He said the more North Korean missiles and soldiers are used in Ukraine, the more Pyongyang could learn from battlefield experience and address weaknesses in its military capabilities.
Zelensky specifically mentioned Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, warning that increased North Korean military involvement could eventually pose a greater threat to countries in the region.
His comments reflect growing concerns that battlefield cooperation between Russia and North Korea could strengthen Pyongyang's military capabilities.
The deepening relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has become a major concern for Ukraine and its Western allies.
Kyiv has repeatedly accused North Korea of supporting Russia's war effort, while Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their strategic ties.
Zelensky's latest claims are likely to intensify scrutiny of the Russia-North Korea military partnership. Any further deployment of North Korean personnel or transfer of ballistic missiles could influence the battlefield in Ukraine while raising wider security concerns across Europe and Asia.
