30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed in Russia: Zelensky

North Korea appears set to deploy an additional 30,000 to 50,000 troops to support Russia in its war with Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday.

Zelensky made the remarks in a post on X, quoting comments he made in an interview with the United News telethon.

"North Koreans appear on the territory of the Russian Federation from time to time [...] At first, we were talking about hundreds, then thousands and now a decision has been made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be deployed on the territory of Russia," Zelensky said.

North Korea will certainly gain experience in modern warfare under Russia, the Ukrainian president also said, adding that Pyongyang will continue to build its experience in modern warfare, receive licenses from Russia and acquire various military tools.

Zelensky, in particular, said South Korea should have closer cooperation with Ukraine under such circumstances, adding that Ukraine seeks Seoul's support for air defense systems, drones and other areas.

"They have a legal restriction under their Constitution. But we would like to have this cooperation and are counting on it. Our diplomats are in contact," he said.

After Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024, Pyongyang is believed to have sent around 20,000 combat troops and military engineers to the Kursk region to support Moscow in its war with Ukraine.

Yonhap