Russia beginning 'additional mobilization' of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Zelensky Warns of Russian Mobilization and North Korean Troops

   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that Russia has initiated an additional mobilization of troops and aims to increase the involvement of foreign personnel. According to Zelensky, North Korea is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 soldiers to support Russian forces, building on an existing contingent of more than 8,000 military personnel already stationed in Russia. Zelensky claims Moscow is assisting Pyongyang with attack drone manufacturing capabilities in exchange for this military backing. The developments coincide with Vladimir Putin ordering the fourth military staffing expansion in Russia this year as the conflict stretches into its fifth winter.

   Why it matters

   The escalating troop deployments highlight the severe personnel attrition faced by Moscow's military forces along the front lines. Tensions continue to rise as bilateral military cooperation deepens between Russia and North Korea, supplementing conventional recruitment drives with foreign combat power. Ukrainian officials assert that the high casualty rate at the front outpaces the Kremlin's current domestic recruitment capabilities.

   What is confirmed

   • President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has already begun an additional mobilization of troops.
   • North Korea is preparing to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia.
   • More than 8,000 North Korean military personnel are currently stationed in Russia.
   • Vladimir Putin ordered a military staffing expansion marking the fourth increase in Russia's levels this year.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Moscow has helped Pyongyang set up attack drone manufacturing capabilities in exchange for military aid.

   What to watch next

   • Visual or intelligence confirmation of the arrival of the new 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia
   • Official announcements or decrees detailing the scope of Russia's additional domestic mobilization
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. telegraph.co.uk — ‘We will turn Putin’s new foot soldiers into stewed meat’
   2. Reuters — Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
   3. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Warns of New Russian Mobilization and 10,000 North Korean Troop Deployment
   4. The Kyiv Independent — Russia beginning 'additional mobilization' of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns
   5. ukrinform.net — Zelensky: Russia has already begun additional mobilization
   6. Українська правда — Zelenskyy: Russia has already begun additional mobilisation
   7. www.cnbc.com — Putin expands Russia army; Zelenskyy warns of more North ...
   8. www.kyivpost.com — Russia to Begin Additional Mobilization, Expand North Korean Troop Presence - Kyiv Post
   9. jen.jiji.com — Claudia Gerini and Federico Zampaglione together again for their daughter's birthday: the dedication
   10. kyivindependent.com — Russia beginning 'additional mobilization' of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns
   11. www.kyivpost.com — Russian Military Personnel Gap Widens - Kyiv Post
   12. kyivindependent.com — Kremlin seizes control of German retailer Metro AG's Russian properties
   confidence 100%