In an evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the growing cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea, expressing concern that North Korea is providing not only weapons but also manpower to the Russian army. This indicates a deepening of allied relations between these two authoritarian regimes, which presents new challenges for Ukraine and its allies in the West.
“The alliance between Russia and regimes like North Korea is strengthening. This is no longer just about transferring weapons; it is effectively about the transfer of people from North Korea to the occupying forces,” Zelensky stated. This declaration clearly demonstrates that Russian aggression on the Ukrainian front extends beyond traditional military intervention and increasingly involves international elements that could change the course of the war.
Russia’s Plans for Fall-Winter: New Allies and Threats
Amid this situation, the president also emphasized that genuine peace can only be achieved through strength. Ukraine continues its fight, relying on its armed forces and the support of the international community. However, Russia is seeking new ways to bolster its position on the front lines, particularly by utilizing resources from its dictatorial allies.
Confirming this, plans for Russia for the fall and winter of 2024 suggest that it may engage North Korea not only for arms supplies but also for providing human resources. Reports from the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) of Ukraine and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) indicate possible scenarios for developments in the coming months.
North Korea May Send Up to 100,000 Troops to Ukraine
According to Ukrainian military expert Oleksiy Hetman, North Korea could send up to 100,000 troops to assist Russia in the war against Ukraine. The North Korean army is one of the largest in the world, with active military personnel estimated to be between 850,000 and 1.2 million, while reserve forces number up to 4 million. This enables North Korea to become a significant resource for Moscow, which aims to strengthen its positions in the face of the Ukrainian counteroffensive and international pressure.
At the same time, the ratification of the strategic partnership agreement between the Russian Federation and North Korea, signed in June during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, officially solidifies military and other assistance between these countries. The document stipulates that in the event of an attack on one of the countries, the other will provide all necessary resources for defense. This raises concerns at the international level, as such cooperation could further escalate the conflict in Ukraine and increase pressure on the global community.
International Reaction and Challenges for Ukraine
The cooperation between Russia and North Korea creates new challenges for international security. Ukraine calls on its Western partners to increase pressure on the Kremlin and its allies to prevent further escalation. The use of military resources from North Korea, known as “living manpower,” could become a powerful factor on the front lines, but Ukraine continues to resist, believing in its victory through determination and international support.
The importance of this partnership between Russia and North Korea has been emphasized repeatedly by Western intelligence agencies, which claim that countries like North Korea, Iran, and Syria could provide significant support to Russia in its war against Ukraine. This poses new strategic tasks for Kyiv, which require strengthening defensive capabilities and enhancing diplomatic ties with allies.
As Moscow continues to recruit new partners, Ukraine and its allies are searching for ways to strengthen their own security and deter the aggressor. Zelensky continues to stress that only the strength and unity of the international community can stop Russia and its allies from further aggressive actions.
Also read: Ukraine Strikes Deep into Russia’s Rear: Advantages over Weak Russian Air Defense.