Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says North Korea is preparing to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 additional personnel to Russia, potentially expanding Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the war. Zelenskyy did not disclose the source of the intelligence, and neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly confirmed the new deployment.
North Korean presence could expand sharply
The latest estimate is significantly higher than Zelenskyy’s previous warning that approximately 30,000 North Korean troops could be sent to Russia. Ukraine says preparations are under way to receive the soldiers, although their precise role and expected deployment areas remain unclear.
North Korea has already sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 personnel to Russia since 2024. Many were deployed in the Kursk region, where they supported Russian efforts to expel Ukrainian forces from territory captured during Ukraine’s cross-border offensive.
Pyongyang later acknowledged that its troops had participated in the fighting under the mutual defence agreement signed by Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024.
Missile unit reportedly moving into Russia
Ukraine’s military intelligence has also reported that a North Korean missile unit is being deployed to Russia’s western Voronezh region. The formation could include approximately 90 personnel operating alongside Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade.
According to Ukrainian officials, the unit may eventually have access to as many as 120 North Korean ballistic missiles and six launchers. At least 40 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles are reported to have been delivered in a recent shipment.
North Korean ballistic missiles have already been used against Ukrainian targets. Their increased deployment would place further pressure on Ukraine’s limited supply of advanced air-defence interceptors, particularly systems capable of engaging high-speed ballistic weapons.
Pyongyang becomes a critical supplier
North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells, rockets and ballistic missiles since the military partnership intensified. Western and Ukrainian intelligence assessments suggest that North Korean ammunition now represents a substantial share of the munitions used by Russian forces along the front.
The relationship also presents risks beyond Europe. Zelenskyy warned that North Korean forces are gaining valuable experience in drone operations, electronic warfare, artillery coordination and modern battlefield tactics. Pyongyang could also receive Russian missile, satellite and military technology in return.
Ukraine appeals directly to South Korea
Zelenskyy has urged South Korea to provide Ukraine with air-defence systems and expand cooperation on drone technology. Seoul has supplied humanitarian assistance and non-lethal equipment but remains constrained by domestic rules governing weapons deliveries to countries involved in active conflicts.
Kyiv argues that North Korea’s growing involvement creates a direct security connection between the war in Ukraine and tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Turkey prepares major weapons package
Ukraine is also expected to receive a substantial quantity of US-origin weaponry from Turkey. The reported package includes 70 M39 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and 12 M270 multiple-launch rocket systems.
It also contains more than 2,500 cluster-armed rockets and approximately 47,000 artillery rounds. Because the equipment was originally produced in the United States, its re-export requires approval from Washington and remains subject to congressional review before delivery can proceed.
The older M39 ATACMS has a reported range of approximately 165 kilometres. Combined with the M270 launchers, the missiles could strengthen Ukraine’s ability to target Russian ammunition depots, command centres and logistical infrastructure behind the front.
War becomes increasingly international
Russian missile and drone attacks have continued against Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Odesa, causing civilian casualties and damaging infrastructure. Ukraine has responded with long-range drone operations against Russian oil, radar and military facilities.
The prospect of tens of thousands of additional North Korean troops underlines how far the conflict has expanded beyond Russia and Ukraine. Pyongyang is gaining military experience, Moscow is receiving personnel and ammunition, and Kyiv is seeking increasingly sophisticated weapons from a widening group of international partners.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 10 August 2026
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