North Korean troops could be sent to Ukraine within days in ‘clear escalation by Russia,’ Zelensky warns

Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky warned that Russia could beryllium fresh to deploy North Korean troops arsenic soon arsenic Sunday. 

“According to intelligence, nan first North Korean soldiers are expected to beryllium deployed by Russia to combat zones arsenic early arsenic October 27–28,” Zelensky wrote connected X connected Friday, adding that nan troops’ activity was a “clear escalation by Russia.” 

The Pentagon first confirmed nan beingness of DPRK subject unit successful Russia earlier this week.

In a property briefing connected Thursday, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Moscow’s determination to tie connected North Korea “really highlights Russia’s desperation.”

“I deliberation that shows that Putin has grounded successful his strategical objectives connected nan battlefield.”

The number of North Korean soldiers presently successful Russia is estimated to beryllium 3,000, Singh added, but Ukraine has warned that number could turn to up to 12,000. 

“North Korea’s existent engagement successful combat should not beryllium met pinch indifference,” Zelensky wrote successful his post.

“The world tin intelligibly spot Russia’s existent intentions: to proceed nan war. A opinionated and beardown consequence from world leaders is essential.” 

Earlier this week, National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby warned that if North Korean troops are deployed to conflict successful Ukraine, they would beryllium “fair game.” 

“They’re adjacent targets. And nan Ukrainian subject will take sides themselves against North Korean soldiers nan aforesaid measurement they’re defending themselves against Russian soldiers.”