Zelenskyy criticizes US, UK, Germany over long-range weapons restrictions as North Korean threat looms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called out Western powers for their perceived inaction regarding North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia.

Intelligence sources indicated that Russia deployed approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers to fight in Ukraine, which might bolster Russian forces on the frontline and intensify pressure on Ukrainian defenses.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the presence of these troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, bordering Ukraine, describing it as a “dangerous expansion” of the war. 

However, Ukraine is still not allowed to strike military bases deep inside Russia with Western-supplied long-range weapons, such as American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, due to the fears of nuclear escalation with Russia.

“We could strike preemptively if we had the capability to strike at sufficient range. This depends on partners. But instead of such necessary long-range capabilities, America watches, Britain watches, Germany watches. Everyone is simply waiting until North Korean military personnel start striking Ukrainians,” said Zelenskyy.

He noted that Ukrainian forces will be compelled to defend against North Korean troops, marking a significant expansion of the war’s participating forces.

He emphasized China’s role, noting that despite Beijing’s stated desire for peace, North Korean forces continue to deploy to the front lines.

China, despite publicly denying knowledge of this deployment, is believed to be fully aware of the situation. According to Matt Brazil, a former US Army officer and diplomat, Beijing would not permit Russia and North Korea to make destabilizing deals in East Asia without its oversight.

In response to North Korea’s actions, South Korea is contemplating supplying weapons to Ukraine because earlier, the country maintained a policy of not directly supplying lethal weapons to countries in conflict. However, it has provided humanitarian assistance and financial support to Ukraine.

According to Zelenskyy, North Korea has successfully tested a new ballistic missile with record flight time and altitude. He pointed to evidence of knowledge transfer between the two nations, stating that North Korea has improved its artillery capabilities through collaboration with Moscow and is now advancing its missile technology.

“What unites Pyongyang with Moscow? Only the desire to wage war,” Zelenskyy stated, framing North Korea’s involvement in the European conflict as a global security threat.

The president called for international action beyond diplomatic statements, arguing that concrete measures must back declarations about preventing war escalation.

On 31 October, the Biden administration announced that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers were stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that if these North Korean troops engage in combat or support operations against Ukraine, they will be considered legitimate military targets.

The Ukrainian government has released Korean-language videos encouraging North Korean soldiers to surrender, highlighting the favorable conditions in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, including warm accommodations and nutritious meals. These initiatives aim to undermine the morale of North Korean troops and encourage defections.

Additionally, South Korea has announced plans to send military observers to Ukraine to assess the situation and enhance intelligence cooperation.

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