Kyiv, Oct 25 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said North Korean soldiers, currently being trained in Russia, are set to be deployed alongside Russian forces within two days, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
“According to intelligence information, the first North Korean soldiers will be deployed by Russia to combat zones on Oct. 27 or 28,” Zelenskyy said after a meeting with his military and security leadership.
He described the anticipated deployment as “an obvious escalation” by Russia.
“The world must clearly see what Russia really wants, which is to continue the war,” he said in a report of the meeting published on his Telegram channel.
Zelensky also called for a “strong response” from the international community. “North Korea’s entry into combat operations should not be met with blind eyes and vague comments but with tangible pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to respect the UN Charter and to penalize this escalation.”
Both the United States and South Korea have confirmed that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia to assist the Russian military. According to Seoul’s intelligence, North Korea plans to contribute up to 12,000 troops to the Russian war effort.
Ukrainian sources indicate they have evidence of North Korean soldiers being moved from the Russian Far East, where they have reportedly begun training, to western Russia, from where they are expected to join the Kremlin’s troops fighting against Ukraine.
According to sources in Kyiv, the Kursk Oblast—partially controlled by Ukrainian troops—is the designated location for the first contingent of North Korean soldiers to join the Russian Army. EFE
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