Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said North Korea has decided to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 troops on Russian territory to fight on Russia’s side. In a post on X on Saturday, he also urged South Korea to work more closely with Ukraine, including by helping address gaps in Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities.

Zelenskyy said the estimated deployment would exceed the figure of 30,000 troops he cited in July. He did not explain how he obtained the information. He also said some North Korean-made missiles had been found in Ukrainian territory, though he did not specify where they were found.

According to Zelenskyy, North Korea would continue gaining experience in modern warfare and could receive licences for military technology and various military equipment from Russia. He said Ukraine was interested in South Korean support where it faced shortages, particularly in air defence. Ukraine is also ready to cooperate with South Korea on a “drone deal” and other areas, he said, adding that Ukrainian diplomats were in contact with South Korea over possible agreements.