KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that North Korean forces may soon be deployed by Russia to the front lines in Ukraine, potentially as early as this weekend. This assertion has raised concerns among Western officials, who believe such an action could escalate the ongoing conflict, which has already lasted nearly three years, with repercussions extending to the Indo-Pacific region.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian intelligence indicated that “the first North Korean military will be used by Russia in combat zones” within the timeframe of Sunday to Monday. He described the troop deployment as “an obvious escalating move by Russia,” but did not elaborate on specific locations where the North Korean units might be utilized.
Russia has launched an aggressive campaign across Ukraine’s eastern front this summer, steadily pushing Ukrainian forces to relinquish territory. However, they have faced challenges in attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops from the Kursk border region, following an incursion that occurred nearly three months ago.
The potential presence of North Korean troops, operating under a military agreement with Pyongyang, introduces a new element to the conflict, which has already evolved into the largest war in Europe since World War II, claiming tens of thousands of lives on both sides, with many civilian casualties.
The U.S. reported on Wednesday that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia for training at various installations, with officials deeming this development quite serious. Zelenskyy further revealed that a week earlier, his administration had gathered intelligence suggesting that an additional 10,000 North Korean troops are preparing to join the Russian military against Ukraine. He cautioned that involvement from a third nation could transform the ongoing war into a “world war.”
North Korea has previously been supplying arms to Russia as part of a defense agreement; however, the introduction of ground troops could intensify the complexities of a war that has polarized global politics, with the majority of Western nations standing in support of Ukraine. Amidst this, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been seeking assistance from BRICS nations.