Zelensky: North Korea to send 10,000 more troops to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that over 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops. Zelensky stated on platform X that Kyiv has "new data" on North Korean troop deployment in Russia, noting soldiers are being selected for training ahead of future deployment. He previously claimed in August that up to 50,000 North Korean troops could be sent to fight alongside Russian forces. Ukrainian and South Korean estimates indicate Pyongyang has sent 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers to support Russia since 2024, mostly deployed in the Kursk region. Kyiv also accuses North Korea of supplying millions of artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and rocket systems. The remarks follow a dispute over Zelensky's announcement of transferring two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.