Zelensky says North Korea prepares 10,000 more troops for Russia

September 29, 2026 at 04:31 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said North Korea is preparing to send about 10,000 more troops to Russia, citing Ukraine's military intelligence. More than 8,000 North Korean soldiers are already on Russian territory, according to Zelensky's statement reported by Deutsche Welle. The claim comes amid a diplomatic dispute between Ukraine and South Korea over the disclosure of captured North Korean soldiers.

Key Facts

Zelensky said North Korea is preparing to send about 10,000 more troops to Russia, based on Ukraine's military intelligence.
More than 8,000 North Korean soldiers are already on Russian territory, according to Zelensky's statement.
South Korean intelligence estimates North Korea has already sent about 15,000 troops to support Russia in the war.
In August, Zelensky said North Korea intended to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 fighters on Russian territory.
South Korea demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine for disclosing the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers.

Zelensky's Allegation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said North Korea is preparing to send about 10,000 more troops to Russia, citing Ukraine's military intelligence. He stated that more than 8,000 North Korean soldiers are already on Russian territory. Zelensky said the Russian government plans to increase the number of foreign mercenaries. He called on governments whose citizens are being recruited into the Russian army to oppose this, saying, 'We will inform every government.'

South Korean Intelligence Estimates

South Korean intelligence estimates North Korea has already sent about 15,000 troops to support Russia in the war. In return, Pyongyang is believed to receive money, military technology, and security guarantees from Moscow. In August, Zelensky said North Korea intended to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 fighters on Russian territory.

Ukraine-South Korea Dispute

Ukraine sent two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea after they were taken prisoner in Russia's Kursk region in 2025. South Korea's presidential office demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine for disclosing the transfer. Ukraine and South Korea had agreed to keep the prisoner transfer secret, but Kyiv unilaterally disclosed it. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung accused the Ukrainian government of violating the confidentiality agreement. Zelensky's office said there was no non-disclosure agreement between the countries, but Seoul called this a lie and summoned the Ukrainian ambassador.