Ukraine says North Korea preparing to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Monday that North Korea is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to Russia in support of Russia's war in Ukraine. This comes after Ukrainian officials estimated that over 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway for the upcoming deployment.

Zelensky cited new data indicating that these troops are being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia. In August, Zelensky had previously stated that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight alongside Russia, urging South Korea to assist Ukraine with its air defense capabilities. South Korea responded to Zelensky's comments by announcing a $100 million aid package for Ukraine, though it excluded lethal weapons.

Zelensky's remarks followed a recent transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, causing diplomatic tension between the two nations, with Seoul expressing regret and disputing the Ukrainian presidential office's claim that a confidentiality agreement existed. North Korea has been actively supporting Russia's Ukrainian conflict since 2024, sending an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to the Kursk region to aid in repelling Ukrainian advances.

Pyongyang has also provided Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, along with ballistic missiles, long-range artillery systems, and multiple-launch rocket systems, according to Ukrainian and independent assessments.