Zelenskyy: Kyiv detects signs of North Korean military involvement in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Kyiv had obtained information about the alleged preparation of two North Korean brigades, each consisting of six thousand troops, poised to join the conflict alongside Russia.

Zelenskyy made this announcement during his October 22 evening address, shared on his Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He stated, “We have information about the preparation of two units of soldiers from North Korea — possibly even two brigades of six thousand men.”

He underscored that this situation presents a significant challenge for Ukraine but expressed confidence that Kyiv knows how to respond. Zelenskyy also called on the country’s "partners" not to shy away from confronting this issue.

This is not the first time that Zelenskyy has made accusations against North Korea.

Earlier, he claimed North Korea was assisting Russia not only with weapons and labour but also with troops, claiming that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia supporting military operations.

Zelenskyy emphasized that North Korea provides Russia with both weaponry and personnel, including workers at Russian factories, urging international partners to increase their support for Ukraine. He warned that Pyongyang was “preparing thousands of soldiers to be sent to Ukraine,” although no troop movements had yet begun.

Contrasting Zelenskyy's claims, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on October 18 that the alliance had found no evidence to support assertions of North Korean troops' involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Speaking at a press conference following the first day of NATO defence ministers' meetings, Rutte emphasized that NATO lacks any evidence of the DPRK military's presence in Ukraine.

However, he acknowledged NATO's suspicions that North Korea may be supplying military support to Russia through weapons and technology. Rutte mentioned that the defence ministers discussed the potential involvement of North Korea, China, and Iran in the ongoing conflict.

Similarly, the U.S. Department of Defense has indicated that it has no information confirming the presence of DPRK troops in the areas of the special military operation in Ukraine. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder addressed this matter during a regular briefing, stating, “We have seen reports and statements regarding the possible deployment of DPRK forces to Russia or Ukraine. At this time, we are investigating, but we cannot confirm or expand upon those reports.”

Ryder suggested that if true, such developments would indicate a deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea but reiterated that the situation is being closely monitored.

On October 10, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed media allegations about the involvement of North Korean soldiers in Russia's military operations in Ukraine, labelling them as unfounded rumours.

In June, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes provisions for military assistance in the event of a defensive conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova