Zelensky Alleges Russian ‘Additional Mobilization’ and Thousands of North Korean Troops in Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has already begun ‘additional mobilization’ by expanding recruitment and plans to step up hiring of foreigners, and cites Ukrainian intelligence claims that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russia with another 10,000 being prepared, in exchange for technology for drones and missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is warning that Russia is drawing in more fighters for its war in Ukraine, including, he says, thousands of North Korean troops.
In a recent address, Zelensky said that “in effect, the Russians have already begun additional mobilization” by increasing the number of people they recruit “through various means.” He said they plan to increase the recruitment of foreigners and argued that governments whose citizens are being targeted should counter these efforts. Zelensky said Ukraine would inform every relevant government.
He linked this to new intelligence on North Korea’s role. Citing Ukraine’s military intelligence service, HUR, Zelensky said there are currently more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory. He added that preparations are under way to deploy another 10,000 troops, who are being selected for training and later deployment to Russia.
Zelensky also described what he said Russia is offering in return. According to him, Moscow is paying “among other things” with technology for the production of Shahed‑type attack drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials have long accused Russia of using Shahed‑type drones, and Zelensky now links that technology to an alleged transfer to North Korea.
These claims about troop numbers and technology transfers have not been independently verified, and Russia and North Korea have not publicly confirmed them. If accurate, they would point to a deeper military partnership that affects both the balance of manpower in Ukraine and the development of North Korea’s missile and drone capabilities.
For the countries whose citizens may be recruited by Russia, Zelensky’s warning raises the risk that their nationals could be drawn into active combat in Ukraine. Governments that receive Ukrainian information on such recruitment will have to decide whether to restrict military contracts, tighten labor rules, or issue public warnings.
Indicators to watch include efforts by other governments to confirm or dispute Kyiv’s figures, open‑source or satellite evidence of organized North Korean units in Russia, and any international debate over sanctions linked to alleged technology transfers for drones and missiles.
Sources
- OSINT