Zelenskiy Criticizes Allies for Inadequate Response to North Korean Troop Deployment

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strongly condemned what he describes as a "zero" response from Western allies regarding Russia's reported deployment of North Korean troops to support its military efforts in Ukraine. In an interview with South Korea's KBS television, Zelenskiy warned that a lackluster reaction would only encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase the number of North Korean soldiers in the conflict.

Zelenskiy expressed concern that Moscow may be negotiating for the deployment of not just combat troops but also engineering personnel and a significant number of civilians to assist at Russian military facilities. He stated, "Putin is checking the reaction of the West... and I believe that after all these reactions, Putin will decide and increase the contingent... The reaction that is there today is nothing, it is zero."

The Ukrainian leader has been sounding the alarm about North Korean involvement since October 13. Despite Western allies acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, they have yet to propose any concrete retaliatory actions. South Korea has offered to provide intelligence support and is contemplating sending military monitors to Ukraine to assess the situation further.

During a recent U.N. Security Council meeting, Ukraine's delegation named three North Korean generals allegedly accompanying the troops deployed in Russia. Zelenskiy's comments reflect growing frustration in Ukraine over the pace and level of support from its allies amid an ongoing and intensifying conflict with Russia. The timing is critical, with looming uncertainties related to the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Reports indicate that Russian forces have been making gradual advances in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops, outnumbered and outgunned, are struggling to hold their positions. The Kremlin has not denied the presence of North Korean troops, while North Korea initially rejected claims of involvement but later defended the deployment as compliant with international law.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, revealed that there are currently around 8,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia's southern Kursk region, which borders northeastern Ukraine. Zelenskiy also expressed surprise at China's lack of commentary regarding the troop deployment, noting, "The Russian Federation discussed this issue with the West and confirmed that yes, there are military personnel from North Korea who will fight against Ukraine."