Zelenskyy: Russia Seeks Thousands More North Korean Troops, No Signs of Slowing War Effort

During a press briefing at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia continues to deepen its military ties with North Korea, showing no intention of pausing its war effort, Zelenskyy said on February 14.

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has captured North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia and estimated that another 2,000 to 3,000 are being transferred from North Korea to the Kursk direction.

“We can only confirm their presence once they arrive on the battlefield, but we already see them requesting additional reinforcements. And that is not a sign of strength,” he said, suggesting that Russia’s mounting losses have forced it to seek further foreign manpower.

According to Zelenskyy, more than 4,000 North Korean troops have already been eliminated, with approximately two-thirds of them dead. He also noted a decline in their morale, citing instances where North Korean soldiers fled the battlefield.

However, he warned that despite these signs, Ukraine cannot afford to let its guard down.

Zelenskyy stressed that Russia’s ongoing collaboration with Pyongyang extends beyond personnel.

“They continue their contacts with North Korea for military supplies, weapons, and missiles. We see this reflected in artillery and missile attacks. This is direct involvement, a clear case of a second country being drawn into the war—not a theory, but a fact,” he said.

The Ukrainian president underscored the importance of global awareness, particularly in Washington, stating that leaders like US President Donald Trump need to recognize the ongoing escalation and Russia’s deepening ties with North Korea.

Earlier, North Korea supplied Russia with around 200 pieces of long-range artillery and could send more troops and weapons to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine.