Putin Seeks 30,000 North Korean Troops as Zelensky Warns of Broader Russian Mobilization
Updated
Updated · Ukrinform · Jul 25
Putin Seeks 30,000 North Korean Troops as Zelensky Warns of Broader Russian Mobilization
3 articles · Updated · Ukrinform · Jul 25
Summary
30,000 North Korean troops are being sought by Russia, Zelensky said, adding that preparations to receive them have been underway in Russia’s Voronezh region since June.
221,000 Russians joined the armed forces in the first seven months of 2026, Zelensky said, but Russian casualties in the same period reached nearly 225,500 — including 131,000 killed.
Putin is using shifting rhetoric to mask plans to send more Russians into the war, Zelensky said, arguing Moscow’s losses show peace is not yet part of Russia’s plans for the fall.
Additional North Korean ballistic-missile launchers are also being prepared for transfer to Russia, Zelensky said, warning the cooperation helps Pyongyang improve weapons and gain combat experience.
Zelensky said Ukraine and its partners must increase pressure on Moscow, arguing Russian losses and Ukrainian long- and mid-range strikes can make ending the war more compelling than another mobilization.