Zelenskiy: Up to 50,000 North Korean troops to deploy in Russia

Key facts

• North Korea appears set to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to support Russia.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged South Korea for cooperation on air defense systems and drones.
• President Zelensky expressed satisfaction with a 40-day operation targeting Russian logistics.
• The operation culminated in attacks on Russian tankers and warehouses.
• The operation aimed to weaken Russia's military machine and impact its population.
• Ukraine understands Russia's 'weak points' and plans to continue strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that North Korea is preparing to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine. This potential deployment represents a significant escalation and has prompted Zelenskyy to urge South Korea for cooperation on air defense systems and drones. The Ukrainian president's remarks highlight concerns over increased foreign support for Russia's military actions.

In parallel, Zelenskyy has voiced satisfaction with a recent 40-day Ukrainian "influence operation" that specifically targeted Russian logistics. He indicated that Ukraine has identified and understands Russia's "weak points" and intends to continue these strikes. The operation, which concluded with attacks on Russian tankers and warehouses, was designed to degrade Russia's military capabilities and exert pressure on its population. Zelenskyy suggested that these actions are part of a broader strategy to weaken the Russian military machine.