Zelenskyy: First clashes with North Korean troops signal new global instability

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that combat encounters with North Korean troops mark a dangerous new phase in global security challenges.

Nov 6, 2024 - 15:00
Zelenskyy: First clashes with North Korean troops signal new global instability

north korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that initial combat encounters with North Korean soldiers mark “a new chapter of instability in the world” during his evening address on 5 November.

“Terror can spread like a virus when it doesn’t meet sufficient resistance. Now, the resistance must become sufficient. Sufficiently strong,” Zelenskyy said in his video address.

According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently training in eastern Russia for deployment against Ukraine. South Korean intelligence has corroborated reports that Russia is preparing North Korean special forces for combat in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the presence of North Korean troops and their redeployment to Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the first combat engagements with North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.

Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia has equipped these foreign troops with infantry weapons, including mortars, automatic rifles, machine guns, and rifles.

The Washington Post reports that Putin will offer Kim Jong Un money, military technology, and international attention in exchange for military personnel.

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