Key facts
- President Zelensky warned of a potential Russian missile attack within 48 hours.
- Russia is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 North Korean troops.
- Preparations for the North Korean troops are reportedly underway in Russia's Voronezh region.
- North Korea is also preparing to supply Russia with additional military equipment, including ballistic missile launchers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on July 25 that Russia is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 North Korean troops to support its war against Ukraine, as military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang continues to deepen. Zelensky said that preparations have been underway in Russia's Voronezh region since June to receive them. He added that North Korea is also preparing to supply Russia with additional military equipment, including launchers for ballistic missiles. Zelensky warned that this cooperation poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to other nations in Asia within range of North Korean missiles. North Korea has become a key military partner for Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, supplying ammunition and other weapons, and has reportedly deployed troops to support Russian operations. Ukraine has stated that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers participated in Russia's 2024 counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast. The deepening cooperation between the two countries occurs as Russia faces increasing isolation from the West. Zelensky also warned of a potential 'massive' Russian attack within 48 hours, citing intelligence that missiles have been readied.