Zelensky: The Number of North Korean Soldiers in Russia Could Reach 100,000

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on Tuesday, November 20, the possibility of increasing North Korean forces stationed in Russia to 100,000. Kyiv and its Western allies claim that North Korea has sent weapons and military personnel to Russia to bolster Moscow's comprehensive military offensive against Ukraine. According to Reuters, Mr. Zelensky, during a virtual speech to the European Parliament, noted that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has currently deployed 11,000 North Korean soldiers at the Ukrainian borders, and this number may increase to 100,000. The South Korean intelligence agency reported last week that North Korean forces have participated in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. Previously, the United States government confirmed on October 24 the deployment of North Korean military personnel to Russia to assist in its war against Ukraine. Recently, reports have emerged about the presence of North Korean soldiers in occupied areas of Ukraine to assist Russia, with some even reported killed or wounded. Vladimir Putin recently signed a strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea, which includes a clause on 'mutual defense'; an agreement that obligates each party to support the other in the event of a military attack on one of the signatory countries. The ratification of this bilateral agreement comes at a time when military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has faced widespread international criticism.