Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is anticipating the deployment of North Korean soldiers by Russia starting from Sunday or Monday.
“This is a clear escalation,” Zelensky stated on Friday during an interview on X. He mentioned intelligence reports indicating that North Korean units will be sent to the combat zone on October 27 or 28.
Zelensky argued that this move clearly indicates Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intention to prolong the war. He also noted that Putin has not denied the reports regarding the transfer and training of North Korean troops for the conflict in Ukraine.
“The world can see Russia’s true intentions: to keep the war going. This is why a strong and principled response from global leaders is crucial,” Zelensky emphasized. He stressed the need for concrete pressure on Moscow and Pyongyang.
Zelensky’s statements came a day after Russia’s lower house of parliament approved a comprehensive partnership agreement with North Korea.
Meanwhile, speaking in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday, Putin brushed off the widespread criticism of Pyongyang’s troop deployment. “We have always believed that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously. Our actions under this agreement are our own business,” Putin stated.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed concern on Friday about the reports of North Korean soldiers being sent to Russia. “This is a very worrying development that cannot be underestimated,” he said during his visit to India. Scholz pointed out that this move shows Putin’s desperate situation and emphasized the need to continue working towards a fair peace and providing solid support to Ukraine.