North Korea poised to deploy forces in Ukraine conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a statement issued on Tuesday, shared information about North Korea's plans to form two military units, each consisting of about 6,000 soldiers, to fight against Ukraine’s defence forces.
22 October 2024 19:46
The Ukrainian president mentioned the issue of North Korean support for the Russian aggressor a few days earlier. He emphasized that Ukraine is aware of and ready to confront the threat.
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 a statement published online on Tuesday.
Zelensky also mentioned North Korean soldiers during a Tuesday meeting with journalists. He reported the findings of intelligence on this matter. North Koreans are currently undergoing training in Russia and may be sent to fight against Ukraine any day now.
The Ukrainian president indicated that Russia is handling this issue with great caution, considering China's potential reaction. He also added that 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 participate 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 is expected to be limited to support in weapon transports. The alliance does not yet have evidence that North Koreans from Pyongyang are fighting in Ukraine.
