Lead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops for its war against Ukraine, as reported by Yonhap. In remarks posted on X, Zelenskyy cited his nightly video address and an interview with the United News telethon, saying Moscow has been preparing since last month to deploy the troops to a border region in the southwest. He also said Pyongyang plans to send more missile launchers to support the war effort.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap reported on the remarks in multiple dispatches. One article, dated Aug. 9, quoted Zelenskyy directly: "North Koreans appear on the territory of the Russian Federation from time to time... At first, we were talking about hundreds, then thousands, and now a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia." An earlier Yonhap summary, dated July 31, reported the figure as an additional 30,000 troops, indicating a range in subsequent statements.

The coverage highlights two key aspects: the scale of the reported deployment and the expected consequences. According to Yonhap, Zelenskyy said North Korea will gain experience in modern warfare under Russia, build on that experience, receive licenses, and acquire various military tools. He also called for closer cooperation with South Korea, specifically seeking support for air defense systems, drones, and other areas. He acknowledged South Korea's constitutional restrictions but expressed hope for cooperation, noting diplomatic contacts were ongoing.

Key Claims

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024, after which Pyongyang is believed to have sent around 20,000 combat troops and military engineers to the Kursk region, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Zelenskyy said Moscow has been preparing since last month to deploy the new troops to a border region in the southwest, according to Yonhap.
  • Yonhap reported Zelenskyy's statement that Pyongyang plans to send more missile launchers to Moscow.
  • Zelenskyy said North Korea will gain experience in modern warfare and acquire military tools, as carried by Yonhap.
  • Zelenskyy expressed a desire for South Korean support on air defense systems and drones, as reported by Yonhap.

Perspectives

Ukrainian Government

President Zelenskyy asserts that Russia is preparing to receive tens of thousands more North Korean troops, that Pyongyang will gain military benefits, and that Ukraine seeks closer cooperation with South Korea on defense systems.

South Korean Government

Yonhap reported that South Korea's foreign ministry is closely monitoring Russia's reported preparation for more North Korean troops, and the unification ministry reaffirmed a 'realistic, practical' approach to denuclearization. However, no direct quotes from South Korean officials were included in the provided material.