Russia wants to attract 10,000 North Korean soldiers for war against Ukraine – Zelenskyy
Russia aims to recruit over 10,000 North Korean soldiers for the fight against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference in Brussels after the meeting of the European Council on 17 October
Details: Zelenskyy pointed out that there is intelligence that North Korean officers are already in the temporarily controlled territory of Ukraine, training alongside the Russian military.
Quote: "I'm not sure how many officers there are, but there is intelligence suggesting Russia depends on such a reinforcement, because it doesn't have time to mobilise [its own citizens], it faces too many losses on the battlefield, and the society’s anti-mobilization sentiment. That is why he [Russian leader Vladimir Putin – ed.] seeks external backing. I know there is a plan to train 10,000 soldiers from various branches of the armed forces."
Zelenskyy also cited evidence that "now North Korea is preparing a contingent to send and fight against Ukraine".
"This demands quite urgent [response from Ukraine's partners – ed.]. Because this formally confirms that a second party is joining the conflict and will fight alongside Russia against Ukraine as a contingent. This is a significant step," Zelenskyy concluded.
Background:
- On 8 October, South Korea's Ministry of Defence reported that North Korea was likely to send some of its regular armed forces to the battlefield in Ukraine in support of Russia.
- On 12 October, the Institute for the Study of War reported that several thousand North Korean military personnel are undergoing training in Russia, and may be deployed to the line of contact in the future.
- On 13 October, Zelenskyy stated that North Korea is supplying not only weapons but also personnel to Russian military forces. He urged Ukraine's partners to increase their support.
- On 14 October, the Ukrainian President stated that North Korea de facto entered the war against Ukraine.
- On 16 October, Zelenskyy reported that North Korea is supplying Russia not only with weapons but also with people to work in Russian factories.
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