Zelensky says up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed to Russia

Zelenskyy says 50,000 North Korean troops will help Russia in war

Mr Zelenskyy took to social media to announced that "a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia", while calling on South Korea to provide support for Ukraine's air defence.

Aug 9, 2026

Zelensky says up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to support Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine war, an increase from previous estimates. “North Koreans appear on the territory of the Russian Federation from time to time,” he said. “At first, we were talking about hundreds, then […]

Aug 9, 2026