Zelenskyy: North Korea Preparing Two Brigades of 6,000 Soldiers Each, Ukraine Knows How to Respond

Ukraine has received intelligence indicating that North Korea is preparing two military units, possibly brigades, to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. This information was shared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his evening address.

According to Zelenskyy, the preparation of these North Korean troops is a significant challenge. “We have information about the preparation of two units, which may even be two brigades of 6,000 soldiers each. This is a challenge, but we know how to respond to it. It’s crucial that our partners do not shy away from this challenge as well. All of our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

He expressed gratitude to the countries that have condemned North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. “It’s clear that in Pyongyang, just as in Moscow, human lives are not valued. But we all share a common interest in ending the war, not prolonging it. We must unite to stop Russia and its allies,” Zelenskyy stated.

He emphasized that if North Korea is capable of intervening in a European war, it indicates that the pressure on this regime is insufficient. “If Russia can still expand and extend this war, then anyone in the world who isn’t helping to force Russia towards peace is, in fact, aiding Putin in his fight. Criminals must be stopped. We expect a strong, concrete global response—not just words,” the president underlined.

Earlier reports indicated that Russia is forming a special battalion of approximately 3,000 North Korean citizens, designated as the “Buryat” battalion, to participate in combat operations against Ukraine.

However, recent information has emerged that 18 North Korean soldiers have fled from their positions near the border between the Bryansk and Kursk regions, just 7 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The motives for their escape remain unclear, and the Russian military has initiated searches while attempting to keep this information from higher command.

On October 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referenced intelligence reports indicating North Korea’s de facto involvement in the ongoing war, after reports had emerged indicating that more than 20 soldiers were killed near Donetsk due to a missile strike on October 3, including six North Korean officers.