Ukraine War: Zelenskyy Says Russia Plans 30,000-50,000 More North Korean Troops
In the Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia plans to station an additional 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops on its territory, where they will study modern warfare tactics from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
North Korean Troop Buildup in Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia plans to involve a further 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to carry out tasks on its territory. [3] Zelenskyy noted in an interview that North Koreans appear on Russian territory from time to time, initially in hundreds and then in thousands, with a new decision made for 30,000 to 50,000 North Koreans to be present in Russia. [3] He explained that they are studying this war, and if crises and escalation occur in another direction in the Pacific that could pose a threat to other states in Asia, North Korea will be gaining experience of modern warfare from Russia. [3] Zelenskyy added that North Korea will continue to build up its experience of modern warfare and obtain licences from Russia. [3]
Use of North Korean Missiles in Ukraine
Zelenskyy recalled that North Korean missiles have already been found on Ukrainian territory. [3] On 25 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was preparing for the arrival of another 30,000 troops from North Korea, along with new launchers for ballistic missiles. [3] On 30 July, Russia used a North Korean missile to strike a village near Kryvyi Rih, killing six members of the same family. [3] Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president's Sanctions Policy Commissioner, said later that another crater from a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile had been found, indicating that the Russians had launched at least two such missiles on Ukraine. [3] According to Reuters, deployment of a North Korean missile unit has begun in Russia's Voronezh Oblast and may ultimately field six launchers and up to 120 ballistic missiles. [3] Russia has already taken delivery of 40 of these missiles from North Korea. [3] Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that if a North Korean missile unit is deployed in Russia to strike Ukraine, it will immediately become a legitimate military target for Ukrainian forces. [3]
North Korean troops train in Russia amid Ukraine war escalation. — Source: ekathimerini
Zelenskyy's Appeal for South Korean Support
Zelenskyy stated that South Korea should have closer cooperation with Ukraine because North Korea will continue to build up its experience of modern warfare and obtain licences from Russia. [3] He said Ukraine is open and would very much like to receive support from South Korea in the form of what it lacks, namely air defence systems. [3] Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is ready to work in areas such as a Drone Deal, among others. [3] He noted that South Korea has legal restrictions under its Constitution, that is their choice, but Ukraine would like cooperation and is counting on it, with diplomats in contact. [3]
European Aid and Sanctions Needs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was asked at a press conference in Belgrade what Europe can do to help Ukraine wipe out more Russian servicemen. [4] In response, Zelenskyy stressed the need to strengthen support for Ukraine from European partners. [4] He said more support is needed, with money required, but resolving only the money question is not enough because all that money still needs to be channeled in the right direction so that it is used to maximum effect in Ukraine. [4] Zelenskyy called for additional money so that Ukraine's defence industry can produce twice as much, because the capacity exists. [4] He also raised the imposition of sanctions against Russia, noting gratitude for the 21 packages but stating this is not enough. [4] Zelenskyy said what is most important for Ukraine right now is to defend against ballistics, and hundreds, thousands of components in Russian ballistic weapons come from countries all over the world, from almost every continent, including close partners. [4] He added that it is important to impose sanctions on Russian weapons manufacturers and on Russian energy, and not to allow Russia to spend hundreds of billions on this war. [4] Zelenskyy also pointed to the need to grant Ukraine licences to manufacture weapons as quickly as possible, not only American but also European. [4] On 30 July the European Commission transferred a further € 3.47 billion to Ukraine within the defence component of the 90-billion-euro loan. [4] The European Commission indicated that Ukraine can expect at least one new defence tranche in August. [4]
Zelenskyy states Russia plans to station 30,000-50,000 additional North Korean troops on its territory. — Source: ukrainskapravda
International Warnings on War Escalation
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that continued expansion of the war of destruction in Ukraine could push Russia toward its last option available to it. [1] Hakan Fidan said expanding the war of destruction could lead Russia to use the last option available to it. [1] Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that he does not believe Russia's war against Ukraine can end in the near future. [5] Vučić noted that the entire international community, including Serbia, would like to see the end of this war as soon as possible, but as a political veteran he is not certain about this. [5] He said he is very afraid that there will be a very difficult winter, above all for Ukrainians. [5] Vučić expressed hope that the war would end as soon as possible, but added that he does not see a way in which this could happen. [5]
Monks' Visit Amid Kyiv Attacks
Air-raid sirens interrupted a Sunday liturgy at the Monastery of the Archangel in Kyiv as monks, clergy and worshippers received alerts on their phones warning of an incoming Russian missile attack. [2] No one moved, and the missile struck elsewhere in the city. [2] Archimandrite Bartholomew, abbot of the Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos, had led a delegation of Athonite monks and a Byzantine choir to Kyiv at the invitation of Metropolitan Epiphanius. [2] Their mission was to hold a vigil for St Anthony at the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves, founded by the Athonite monk Anthony nearly 975 years ago and recently damaged by Russian bombardment. [2] For a week, the visitors lived with repeated alarms, shelter instructions and scenes of destruction. [2] Bartholomew said experiencing war firsthand was far worse than following it in news reports. [2] The vigil, held by candlelight in a damaged church, began with silence for the war dead and prayers for peace and protection of civilians. [2] Mount Athos monks stood in front of a destroyed Russian battle tank in the center of Kyiv. [2]
What to watch next: Turkish and Serbian leaders have warned of risks that the war of destruction could drive Russia toward its last option and that a difficult winter lies ahead primarily for Ukrainians, with no clear path to a swift end visible.
