Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Thursday that Russia intends to send troops from North Korea to the front lines of the war starting October 27.
The day before, Ukraine’s military intelligence service stated that the first North Korean units, trained in Russia, have already been deployed to the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces launched a major incursion in August into Kursk and have captured territory there. Kyiv claims this territory is being used as a security zone against Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Zelensky stated on Thursday that “the first soldiers from North Korea are expected to be sent by Russia to the combat zones soon, on October 27-28.” He described this as a “clear escalation by Russia.”
“The world can clearly see Russia’s true aim, which is the continuation of the war,” he said.
“For this reason, a strong response from global leaders is essential,” he added.
The United States stated on October 23 that 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia.
When asked if there are North Korean troops in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin neither confirmed nor denied it.
In response to questions about satellite images of troops during a press conference following a summit in Kazan, Russia, Putin remarked that “photos are serious matters; if there are photos, then they reflect something.”
