Zelensky: Russia Preparing to Receive 30,000 More North Korean Troops and New Missile Launchers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has asked North Korea for 30,000 additional soldiers and has been preparing facilities in its Voronezh region since June to receive them. Pyongyang is also reportedly readying new ballistic missile launchers for transfer to Russia.
At a Glance
- The requested 30,000 troops are more than double the North Korean contingent currently assessed to be in Russia
- Voronezh region, bordering Ukraine, has been prepared to receive the new units since June
- Pyongyang is reportedly preparing to transfer new ballistic missile launchers to Russia
- Zelensky warned the cooperation threatens ‘everyone in Asia within range of North Korean missiles’
Preparations in Voronezh
According to the intelligence assessment Zelensky shared on 26 July, Moscow has asked Pyongyang for 30,000 additional soldiers, and facilities in Voronezh region — a key logistics hub bordering Ukraine — have been readied for them since June. The figure is more than twice the North Korean contingent currently assessed to be serving alongside Russian forces.
North Korean troops first fought in the Kursk region battles in late 2024, an engagement Pyongyang acknowledged only months later. Western assessments indicate North Korea has so far supplied Russia with artillery ammunition, KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles and personnel, receiving missile technology, air-defence systems and economic support in return.
Ballistic Missile Launchers
Beyond manpower, Zelensky said Pyongyang is preparing to transfer new ballistic missile launchers to Russia, suggesting the share of North Korean-made missiles in strikes on Ukrainian cities could grow. Ukrainian officials also cited intelligence that the Kremlin is preparing measures that could expand mobilisation later this year.
Why It Matters Beyond Ukraine
Russia plugging its manpower gap with third-country soldiers points to a longer war, while North Korea’s accumulation of modern combat experience unsettles the security architecture of East Asia. Zelensky’s warning that the partnership threatens everyone within range of North Korean missiles resonates in Seoul and Tokyo — and among NATO members watching how battlefield lessons, from drone warfare to ballistic missile employment, flow between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many North Korean troops are in Russia now?
Western and Ukrainian assessments put the current contingent at roughly 11,000-13,000 personnel; the requested 30,000 would more than double it.
What does North Korea get in return?
Assessments indicate Pyongyang receives missile and satellite technology, air-defence systems, food and energy support, and combat experience.
Sources
- Kyiv Post — Zelenskiy’nin Voronej bölgesinin haziran’dan beri hazırlandığı yönündeki açıklaması (26 Tem 2026).
- UPI — 30.000 asker talebi ve balistik füze lançeri transferi hazırlığı (26 Tem 2026).
- The Korea Times — Seul perspektifi ve Asya güvenliğine yönelik değerlendirmeler (26 Tem 2026).
