Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western nations to allow Ukraine to preemptively strike North Korean troops stationed in Russia, arguing that these foreign troops are legitimate military targets.
He expressed concern that the North Korean military could soon launch attacks against Ukraine, as there are approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, with the potential to be used by Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating that Ukraine is aware of Russian troop accumulations involving North Koreans. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that North Korea has sent around 10,000 troops to Russia for training in various military operations.
He noted that while North Korea’s troop presence may not drastically change Russia’s military situation, the significant amount of artillery munitions North Korea has supplied to Russia could have a more substantial impact.
Austin also mentioned that the relationship between Russia and North Korea may evolve, particularly regarding missile development, though no evidence of such collaboration has been seen yet.
