Ukraine's Zelenskyy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that North Korea is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to Russia. According to Zelenskyy, there are already over 8,000 North Korean soldiers present in Russian territory, and they are currently being trained in preparation for deployment. The Ukrainian leader had previously stated in August that North Korea could potentially send up to 50,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russia.

Zelenskyy urged South Korea to contribute to Ukraine's air defense system. In July, South Korea pledged a $100 million aid package to support Ukraine, although it did not include any lethal weapons. The Ukrainian president's remarks on Monday followed a recent conflict between Seoul and Kyiv over the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

Seoul expressed disappointment over this announcement, insisting that a confidentiality agreement was in place to keep the transfer private. Additionally, South Korea criticized a statement from the Ukrainian presidential office denying that such an agreement existed. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to Russia as part of its military support for the country.