Lead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revised his estimate of North Korean troop deployments, now saying up to 50,000 soldiers could be sent to fight alongside Russian forces, according to a report by ABC Australia. The statement, posted on social media, comes amid ongoing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which has deepened since the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the issue presents two distinct perspectives. ABC Australia’s coverage focuses on Zelenskyy’s warning and the implications for Ukraine’s air defense needs, quoting the Ukrainian president’s appeal for support from South Korea. In contrast, TASS — English, the Russian state news agency, reports comments from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who dismissed Zelenskyy’s remarks as inappropriate, asserting that it is not up to Ukraine to comment on Russia’s military plans.

Key Claims

  • Zelenskyy’s estimate of North Korean troops: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has predicted that 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to assist Russia, as reported by ABC Australia. This is an increase from his earlier estimate of 30,000 in July 2025. Zelenskyy did not disclose the source of his information.
  • Russia’s response to the claim: Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as cited by TASS — English, stated that it is not up to Zelenskyy to comment on Russia’s plans regarding North Korean troops’ participation in the special military operation.
  • North Korean combat engineers in Kursk: TASS — English reports that North Korean combat engineers are involved in mine-clearing operations in the Kursk Region, a task that began after the area was freed from Ukrainian forces. The deployment of the engineering unit was ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and follows bilateral agreements based on a comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024.
  • North Korean military supplies to Russia: According to ABC Australia, North Korea has provided Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems. The same report notes that Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of high-end air defense systems.
  • Zelenskyy’s appeal to South Korea: ABC Australia quotes Zelenskyy urging South Korea to provide air defense support to Ukraine, highlighting Kyiv’s deficit in that area. He also mentioned that Ukrainian diplomats are in contact with Seoul to pursue potential deals, including a “Drone Deal.”

Perspectives

Ukrainian Viewpoint

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by ABC Australia, warns that up to 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to fight for Russia. He emphasizes that North Korea will gain experience in modern warfare and receive military technology from Russia. Zelenskyy calls for closer cooperation with South Korea, particularly in air defense, and notes that Ukraine has found some North Korean missiles on its territory.

Russian Viewpoint

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as reported by TASS — English, dismisses Zelenskyy’s comments, stating that it is not for Ukraine to make statements about Russia’s plans. TASS also reports that North Korean combat engineers are already assisting with mine-clearing in the Kursk Region, a deployment based on a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea.