Ukraine claims North Korea to send 30,000 more troops to aid Russia

In a major escalation of global concerns surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukrainian military intelligence has claimed that North Korea is preparing to deploy up to 30,000 troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine. The allegation, if verified, would mark a dramatic new phase in Pyongyang’s involvement in the war and raise serious geopolitical tensions.

According to a report by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (GUR), the North Korean troops are expected to be deployed to the eastern regions of Ukraine, particularly in areas under Russian occupation. Ukrainian officials suggest this could happen as part of a broader agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang, which already includes the transfer of arms and ammunition from North Korea to Russia.

Strategic Alliance Growing Stronger

The claim follows recent reports of increasing military and diplomatic cooperation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. In June 2024, Putin visited Pyongyang, where the two nations signed a strategic partnership agreement, pledging mutual support in case of external aggression and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Western intelligence agencies have already confirmed that North Korea has been supplying artillery shells and ballistic missiles to Russia in violation of United Nations sanctions. The potential deployment of North Korean troops could be seen as the next step in strengthening military collaboration.

Global Reaction and Concerns

The international community, particularly NATO and the United States, has voiced alarm at North Korea’s increasing involvement in the war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the reports “deeply troubling” and said any foreign deployment to aid Russia would be met with “severe consequences.”

Analysts warn that this development may not only prolong the war but could also embolden other authoritarian states to intervene more aggressively in regional conflicts. “The introduction of foreign soldiers into Ukraine’s battlefields risks turning this into a broader proxy war with unpredictable outcomes,” one European diplomat noted.

Kyiv’s Response

Ukraine has condemned the alleged move and called on the United Nations to take immediate action against Russia and North Korea for violating international law and destabilizing global peace. Ukrainian forces say they are preparing for any increased military pressure in eastern and southern regions.

What Happens Next?

While the claims have not yet been independently verified, if confirmed, this would be one of the largest direct foreign troop deployments in the Ukraine war so far. Experts note that such a move would likely lead to further Western sanctions and could push diplomatic relations in East Asia into a new state of volatility.

The situation remains fluid, with Ukrainian officials promising to release more intelligence in the coming days.