North Korea to Deploy 30,000 Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that since June preparations have been underway in Russia’s Voronezh region for the arrival of 30,000 North Korean soldiers, potentially doubling the earlier estimate of 15,000‑20,000 troops that have fought alongside Russian forces.

Zelenskyy also warned that North Korea is readying the transfer of additional ballistic‑missile launchers to Russia, and that Russia is assisting Pyongyang in learning warfare tactics and improving its weapons. The two countries signed a military pact in 2024 that promises mutual support, and North Korea has already begun sending equipment and, according to the claim, will soon send personnel to Russian territory to fight in Ukraine.

South Korean officials say they are monitoring the situation closely but have not confirmed any concrete troop movements. The alleged escalation raises concerns about a broader security threat in Asia, given the range of North Korean missiles.