Zelenskyy Says More North Korean Troops Are Headed To Russia And Asks For More Support From South Korea

Ukrainian President Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops are being deployed in Russia as part of the war.

"If we are talking about crises and escalation in another region – in the Pacific – which could pose a threat to other Asian countries, then North Korea will certainly gain experience in modern warfare under Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Following the 2024 signing of a strategic partnership pact, North Korea has provided a range of support to Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine. North Korea recently sent Russia 40 ballistic missiles. And The Guardian reported that the two countries were completing a bridge across the Tumen River, creating a road connection between the two nations.

North Korea had previously provided Russia with 14,000 troops to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.

Zelenskyy warned on X that the growing partnership between the two countries could eventually create problems in the Pacific. Zelenskyy noted that Russia has already used some North Korean missiles against his country and said he would welcome assistance from South Korea.

"In my view, the Republic of Korea should have closer cooperation with Ukraine. We are open to this. We would very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have a shortage. That is air defense systems," Zelenskyy added.

Ballistic missile defense has been an ongoing vulnerability for Ukraine and there are indications that Russia intends to step up its ballistic missile attacks. Reuters detailed that North Korea deployed a ballistic missile unit in Russia that could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers.

"Ballistic missile defense is one of Ukraine's greatest vulnerabilities so any increase in the quantities of ballistic missiles they face will pose a greater challenge," Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Reuters.

The Kyiv Independent reported that the primary way Ukraine has been intercepting ballistic missiles is through U.S.-made Patriot missile system, however, those are in short supply.

According to the outlet, the problem was highlighted on Aug. 1, when Russia launched 27 ballistic missiles at Ukraine, and the country's air defense only intercept one of them. On Aug. 5 24 ballistic missiles were fired at Ukraine, and none were intercepted.