# Russia-North Korea troop involvement in Ukraine > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-north-korea-troop-involvement-in-ukraine > Updated: 2026-08-03T08:38:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Russia is seeking to receive roughly 30,000 North Korean soldiers and additional ballistic‑missile launch systems for the war in Ukraine. He says preparations for the troops and launchers began in Russia’s Voronezh region in June and are linked to the 2024 mutual‑assistance treaty under which Moscow supplies cash, technology, food and energy to Pyongyang. South‑Korean intelligence estimates about 2,000 North Korean casualties and places the total deployed force at roughly 20,000, with around 14,000 currently on the front line. Zelenskyy warned that the partnership gives North Korea combat experience and technical know‑how that could destabilise Asian security. South Korean officials are monitoring the situation but have not confirmed concrete troop movements. Officials in South Korea and Japan say the cooperation violates UN Security Council resolutions. The Kremlin continues to dismiss the claims, offering no comment on the specific troop figures while emphasizing other security priorities for Russia’s armed forces. ## Claims - Russia plans to integrate about 30,000 North Korean soldiers into its forces for the war in Ukraine. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Russia seeks delivery of ballistic missile launch systems from North Korea. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Preparations for receiving the North Korean troops have been underway in Russia's Voronezh region since June. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Zelensky warned that the deployment of North Korean troops and missile systems poses a threat to Asian stability. (corroborated by 5 sources) - North Korea has already sent several thousand soldiers to Russia, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 15,000. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the conflict, according to South Korean intelligence. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Russia and North Korea signed a mutual military assistance agreement in 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Zelensky claimed Iran has been supplying weapons to Russia since the start of the war. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: North Korea to Deploy 30,000 Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War Zelenskyy says 30,000 North Korean troops may be sent to Russia’s Voronezh region, doubling earlier estimates, alongside missile launchers, under a 2024 military pact. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-to-deploy-30000-troops-to-support-russia-in-ukraine-war ### 2026-07-27: Russia rejects Zelensky claim of 30,000 North Korean troops, says no new Ukraine peace progress Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says there is no concrete progress on new Ukraine peace offers and rejects Zelensky's claim that Russia plans to send 30,000 North Korean troops, while noting possible extra navy 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-rejects-zelensky-claim-of-30000-north-korean-troops-says-no-new-ukraine-peace-progress ### 2026-07-27: Zelensky says Russia wants 30,000 North Korean troops and missile launchers Zelensky alleges Russia seeks 30,000 more North Korean troops and missile launchers, with preparations in Voronezh, warning of Asian security risks. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-to-deploy-30000-north-korean-soldiers-in-ukraine-conflict --- Cite as: Russia-North Korea troop involvement in Ukraine. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-north-korea-troop-involvement-in-ukraine