Zelenskyy Warns Russia Seeking 30,000 More North Korean Troops

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on July 25 that Russia is preparing to receive 30,000 additional North Korean troops and new ballistic missile launchers. According to Zelenskiy, preparations for these forces have been underway in Russia's Voronezh region since June. This expansion follows a 2024 mutual defense pact and previous North Korean deployments to the Kursk region, where between 14,000 and 20,000 soldiers were stationed. Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) reports that North Korea provides 25% to 40% of Russia's artillery ammunition and has supplied over 100 ballistic missiles.

Zelenskiy warned that the partnership allows North Korea to gain combat experience and improve its weaponry, posing a security threat to all Asian countries within range of North Korean missiles. He further alleged that Vladimir Putin is preparing expanded military mobilization for autumn 2026, claiming Russian casualties in 2026 have reached approximately 225,500, outpacing the 221,000 recruits who joined the armed forces this year.

Diplomatic efforts to pause the fighting remained stalled as Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a freeze of the conflict during a meeting with Putin in Omsk. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later dismissed the proposal, stating a freeze is impossible unless Russian goals are achieved. These developments coincide with continued Russian strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, and an extension of Russia's gasoline export ban through the end of 2026.