Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for an evolution in the response to Russia’s deepening alliances, accusing North Korea of sending soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased military support from allies to prevent a larger war and to exert more pressure on the aggressor.
Despite Zelenskyy’s pleas, approval for Ukraine to use longer-range missiles to target military sites in Russia has not been granted. He vowed to continue working with partners to achieve true peace through strength. Western leaders were set to discuss the issue last week, but US President Joe Biden delayed his trip due to Hurricane Milton. He is now expected to address the war in Ukraine during his upcoming trip to Germany.
South Korea’s Minister of National Defense suggested a high possibility of North Korea sending soldiers to assist Russia in Ukraine, with reports of North Korean officers being killed in the conflict. Russia dismissed these claims as fake news, but relations between North Korea and Russia have strengthened since the invasion of Ukraine.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia in 2023, pledging support to Putin for the war in Ukraine. The US, South Korea, and Ukraine have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia, with UN sanctions monitors confirming debris from a North Korean missile was found in Ukraine. The evolving alliances and increased involvement of external actors in the conflict highlight the need for Ukraine and its allies to reassess their strategy to address the ongoing crisis.
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