Editor’s Note: This story is currently being updated.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Russia, said on October 25 that Russia plans to send its first North Korean soldiers into a combat zone between Oct. 27 and 28. He cited intelligence reports.
Zelensky, speaking after a meeting at the Headquarters of Supreme Commander-in Chief, called it “an obvious step towards escalation”, which contrasts with “disinformation” we heard from the Kremlin over the past few days.
“The world knows what Russia wants and that’s to continue the war.” Zelensky said that we need a strong and principled reaction from world leaders.
He called on the West “to put tangible pressure” on both Moscow Pyongyang in order to comply with the U.N. Charter, and punish any escalation.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), which has confirmed the report, said that North Korea sent nearly 12,000 soldiers to Russia, including 500 officers, three generals and 500 other troops.
The first soldiers who will join Russian forces in the war on Ukraine have reportedly been deployed to the front lines in Kursk Oblast. This is where Ukraine launched a cross border incursion in August, and still controls large swathes.
The U.S. confirmed that North Korean troops had arrived in Russia after multiple reports from Ukraine and South Korea.
“What they are doing is left to be seen,” said U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin, leaving room for doubt.
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