Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that over 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops. This development has raised concerns about Russia's military capabilities and potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskiy previously mentioned that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Over 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory.
- ✓ Preparations are underway to deploy another 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
- ✓ Up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia.
What changed
Zelenskiy disclosed that North Korea is preparing to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia, in addition to the over 8,000 already present.
Live updates
-
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: North Korea to deploy 10,000 more troops to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that over 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops. This development has raised concerns about Russia's military capabilities and potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskiy previously mentioned that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia.
Why it matters
The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia's military efforts have been bolstered by the recruitment of North Korean soldiers, which could potentially change the dynamics of the war. Ukraine has been urging international support to counter Russia's military advances.
What is confirmed
- Over 8,000 North Korean troops are currently on Russian territory.
- Preparations are underway to deploy another 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
- Up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia may send up to 300,000 more people to the front by the end of the year.
- Russia may send the first conscripts to the front as early as October.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the deployment of additional North Korean troops to Russia
- Impact of North Korean troop deployment on the conflict in Ukraine
- Russia's military mobilization efforts and potential announcements
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- english.aawsat.com — Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Says North Korea Prepares to Deploy Another 10,000 Troops to Russia
- telegraph.co.uk — ‘We will turn Putin’s new foot soldiers into stewed meat’
- Reuters — Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Warns of New Russian Mobilization and 10,000 North Korean Troop Deployment
- ua.news — ISW has identified the condition under which Putin might announce a new mobilization
- The Kyiv Independent — Russia beginning 'additional mobilization' of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns
- ua.news — Madyar: Russia may send the first conscripts to the front as early as October
- Українські Національні Новини (УНН) — Russia may send up to 300,000 more people to the front by the end of the year — "Madyar"
- www.thestar.com.my — Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
- www.straitstimes.com — Ukraine’s Zelensky says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
- www.thestar.com.my — Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (Sept 29, 2026)
- www.yahoo.com — Redbirds manager Ben Johnson looks back on 2026, ahead to future in Memphis
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community