President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on China to use its influence over North Korea to prevent the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the front line in Ukraine. Russia has stationed approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region to assist in ousting Ukrainian forces.
In a statement, Zelensky said that “the Korean people should not lose their people in battles in Europe,” and that China’s influence over Pyongyang is necessary if it wants to be sincere in its statements that the war should not expand.
This comes as Ukraine continues to fight against Russian forces in various regions, including Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian forces have been fighting to hold onto territory in the region ever since their surprise incursion on August 6, with hopes of using it as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Russia.
Separately, Zelensky also spoke about the use of foreign components in Russian drones and missiles launched at Ukraine this week. He said that hundreds of drones, missiles, and guided aerial bombs used by Russia contained overall more than 50,000 foreign components, highlighting the need for strengthened sanctions against Russia.
The president urged partners to bolster Ukraine’s air-defense and long-range capabilities, as well as strengthen sanctions against Russia.
Note: The article is based on a real news report from The Kyiv Independent.