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Zelensky Alleges Russia Seeks 30,000 North Korean Troops for Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine's President Zelensky claims Russia is requesting 30,000 additional North Korean troops and missile launchers for the ongoing conflict.

Editorial Desk

July 26, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has requested an additional 30,000 troops and missile launchers from North Korea to support its military operations in Ukraine. Zelensky made the announcement in a social media post on Saturday.

According to Zelensky, preparations for the deployment of these additional troops are underway in Russia’s Voronezh region, near the Ukrainian border. This follows reports that North Korea had previously sent thousands of troops to aid Russia during a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region in 2024. North Korea has also been providing arms to support Russia’s invasion efforts.

The exact number of troops — and the timeline for their deployment remain unclear. However, Zelensky’s statement suggests an escalation in Russia’s efforts to bolster its military presence in the region.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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