Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared this weekend that North Korean troops have been seen fighting alongside Russia’s army in Ukraine.
Zelenksy shared the news, which confirmed reports circulating in recent weeks, in a video address on Sunday. In his remarks, Zelenksy said that the “increasing alliance” between Russia and North Korea had passed the exchange of arms and technology, as now troops were involved.
“This is no longer just about transferring weapons,” Zelensky said. “It is actually about transferring people from North Korea to the occupying military forces.”
Russia and North Korea have grown increasingly close over the last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin traveling to the country to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During his visit in June, Putin shared his appreciation for North Korea and its support for his “special military operation” in Ukraine.
He then went on to say that he would support North Korea’s efforts to defend itself and its interests in what he said was decades of “U.S. economic pressure, provocation, blackmail and military threats.”
According to South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a defense treaty. During a parliamentary session last week, he said the deployment of North Korean troops was “highly likely” and consistent with that treaty.
Up until this point, North Korea had been supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, receiving in return access to aid and technology to improve its space and nuclear programs.
Local media in Ukraine reported earlier this month that a Ukrainian airstrike in Russian-occupied Donetsk killed North Korean officers.
Zelensky said on Sunday that his country has shown “exceptional performance” in its defense against Russia. However, he stressed that Russia’s increased relationship with North Korea called for stronger relations between Ukraine and its allies.
“The front line needs more support,” Zelensky said.