Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects Russia to deploy North Korean soldiers from Sunday or Monday.
“This is a clear escalation,” Zelensky said on X on Friday.
He cited intelligence information indicating that North Korean units would be deployed to the combat zone from October 27 or 28.
The move clearly shows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intention to continue the war, Zelensky argued.
He said Putin has not denied reports of the transfer and training of North Korean soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
“The world can clearly see Russia’s true intentions: to continue the war. Therefore, a principled and strong response from world leaders is essential,” Zelensky wrote.
He said there is a need for tangible pressure on Moscow and Pyongyang.
Zelensky’s comments came a day after Russia’s lower house of parliament ratified an umbrella partnership treaty with North Korea.
Speaking in the Russian city of Kazan on Thursday, Putin rejected widespread criticism of Pyongyang’s deployment of troops.
“We have never doubted that North Korean leaders take our agreements seriously. What we do and how we will do it on the basis of this article is our business,” Putin said.
The German Scholz is concerned about the reports
Also on Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia as “very worrying.”
“This cannot be underestimated,” he told reporters during his trip to India. “This is obviously something that further escalates the situation.”
Scholz said this move shows that Putin is in a difficult situation.
It is also a reason to continue pursuing a just peace, he argued, and to provide “solid, reliable” support to Ukraine.
