Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised concerns about the recent deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, stating that their actions are part of a strategic move and poses a threat to Ukraine’s security. In a joint press conference, US officials confirmed that 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with 80 percent training in Kursk and expected to begin combat operations against Ukraine with South Korea’s help. Zelenskyy urged South Korea to play a bigger role in countering Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, highlighting the broader threat posed by the alliance between Russia and North Korea.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for South Korea to understand the capabilities of North Korea by sending specialists to collaborate with Ukraine on defensive measures, particularly air defense. He also called for the formation of an “Asian Security Alliance” led by countries like South Korea and Japan to counter North Korea’s aggression. Zelenskyy also questioned China’s silence in the face of regional conflict, calling on them to play a role in addressing the expanding threat posed by the unification of Russia and North Korea.
The Ukrainian president expressed concern over the implications of North Korea joining forces with Russia not only for Ukraine but also for allies in the East and the West. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing the response of Western nations, including NATO and South Korea, to the addition of North Korean forces to his campaign. Zelenskyy called for a stronger response to prevent further foreign soldiers from entering Ukraine and announced a $425 million defensive aid package from the US to help meet Ukraine’s security needs.
The aid package includes air defense interceptors, munitions, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons but notably omits Tomahawk intermediate-range missiles that Zelenskyy had requested. The leak of this request by an anonymous senior US official reportedly caused frustration for the Ukrainian president, who was disappointed not in the denial of the advanced weaponry, but in the lack of discretion in handling the sensitive information. Zelenskyy’s concerns extend beyond his own country, emphasizing the need for a unified response to the threat posed by the Russian-North Korean alliance.
As the situation escalates, Zelenskyy urged South Korea to prepare for potential conflict by understanding the dangers posed by North Korea’s artillery capabilities. He stressed the importance of readiness in the face of possible attacks, highlighting the devastation caused by artillery strikes in Ukrainian towns. Ultimately, Zelenskyy called on China and other regional powers to take a stand against the growing aggression from North Korea and Russia, underscoring the need for a united front to address the security challenges facing Ukraine and the broader Asian region.
