Zelensky told when the AFU will face the DPRK military in battle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia plans to make more use of military personnel from North Korea in combat operations in order to avoid a new wave of mobilisation among Russians.
In his opinion, the full-fledged participation of DPRK soldiers at the front is expected in the coming months. In an interview with South Korea's KBS channel, Zelensky said that about 3,000 North Korean soldiers are currently being trained in Russia, and their number could increase to 12,000.
Zelensky noted that for Russian leader Putin, the use of North Korean soldiers is a way to minimise unpopular mobilisation measures in Russia itself, as mobilisation lowers his ratings. At the same time, he said, the North Korean leader expects the participation of his military to provide his army with combat experience without considering the human cost.
The UN Security Council will meet on 30 October to discuss the presence of the North Korean military in Russia and its potential involvement in hostilities. The meeting was initiated at Ukraine's request and is scheduled to start at 22:15 Kiev time.
Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russia is attracting North Korean soldiers for combat operations. About 3,000 DPRK soldiers, including the elite 11th Army Corps, are in Kursk Region, just 50 kilometres from the border with Ukraine.