Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that he anticipates engaging in combat against North Korean troops deployed in Russia within a matter of days.
In a recent interview with KBS on Wednesday, Zelenskyy stated, “Up to now, North Korean forces have not engaged in any combat. They are preparing for battle in Kursk, Russia, and we expect hostilities to occur shortly.”
He dismissed reports suggesting that Ukrainian and North Korean troops had already clashed, resulting in North Korean casualties. He denied a CNN report claiming that North Korean forces had crossed the Ukrainian border.
Zelenskyy disclosed that “Currently, approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in training camps, and this number is projected to rise to 12,000 soon. This contingent includes both officers and enlisted soldiers.”
He further noted, “Negotiations are ongoing (between North Korea and Russia) regarding the dispatch of engineering units,” adding, “A significant number of civilians are expected to be sent to specific Russian military factories.”
Moreover, he interpreted that “President Vladimir Putin is testing the responses of the West, NATO, and South Korea through the deployment of North Korean troops. Based on the reactions, he will decide whether to expand the deployment.”
Regarding the weaponry support he seeks from South Korea, Zelenskyy remarked, “Once North Korean troops officially acquire the status as forces fighting against Ukrainian citizens, we will submit a specific request. This will include artillery and air defense systems.” Recently, he has consistently highlighted the threat posed by North Korean troops and urged a robust response from Western nations.
In a phone conversation with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, Zelenskyy also assessed, “The imminent deployment of North Korean troops to the Ukrainian front is approaching, marking the war’s entry into a new phase that we have not previously encountered.”
