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Zelenskyy Warns Russia Seeks to Recruit 30,000 North Korean Soldiers

Published July 27, 2026 at 7:02 AM UTC

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is planning to recruit up to 30,000 soldiers from North Korea to reinforce its troops in the war against Ukraine. The claim, made during a press conference, has not been independently verified. If confirmed, it would mark a significant deepening of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which have grown closer since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy's warning comes as Russia reports casualties from Ukrainian attacks, suggesting a need for additional manpower. The potential deployment of North Korean soldiers would raise concerns in Europe and beyond about the conflict expanding. Analysts point to previous reports of North Korean artillery shells being used by Russian forces, but large-scale troop involvement would be a new step. The international community is now watching for evidence to support or refute the Ukrainian leader's statement.