Zelenskyy Warns About North Korean Combat Experience

Zelenskyy said North Korea’s military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only an issue for Europe but could have consequences for security in East Asia.

He said North Korea had sent between 30,000 and 50,000 soldiers to Russia and argued that their involvement allowed them to gain experience in modern warfare.

“It’s a big problem because it was not expensive for North Korea just to send people, and they begin to learn modern war,” Zelenskyy said.

According to Zelenskyy, North Korean personnel have been able to observe and participate in modern combat operations rather than learning only through military exercises or simulations.

He specifically pointed to experience involving drones and drone operators, which have become an increasingly important part of the war in Ukraine.

Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation

Zelenskyy said Russia had provided North Korean personnel with an opportunity to train and gain experience on an active battlefield.

He described the arrangement as different from conventional military training because North Korean personnel were exposed to real combat conditions.

Zelenskyy said North Korean troops initially participated without suffering major losses, although he acknowledged that they experienced significant casualties when they directly fought Ukrainian forces during the Kursk operation.

He said North Korean forces subsequently avoided moving into Ukrainian territory in order to reduce the possibility of further losses.

The Ukrainian president argued that the experience gained by North Korean troops could later be applied elsewhere, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Concerns for East Asian Security

Zelenskyy said North Korea’s battlefield experience could become a security concern beyond the war in Ukraine.

He argued that personnel who gain practical experience with drones, drone operators and modern combat methods could return to North Korea with knowledge that could strengthen the country's military capabilities.

He described this as a “big problem” and said it was particularly significant for security in the Pacific.

The comments reflect broader concerns about growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Russia and North Korea have strengthened their bilateral security relationship since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while North Korean personnel have been involved in Russia's war effort.

For Ukraine, the cooperation also represents another example of international military support being provided to Russia.

Zelenskyy Criticizes China’s Position

Zelenskyy also discussed China’s role in the war and said he was disappointed that Beijing had not taken Ukraine’s side politically.

He stressed that his criticism was not primarily about China providing weapons to Ukraine.

“It’s about the political will,” Zelenskyy said.

He argued that China has significant influence and could play a role in ending the conflict.

According to Zelenskyy, strong international leaders, including Chinese leaders, could potentially influence whether the war continues or ends.

Zelenskyy Says China Could Help End the War

Zelenskyy said he believed the war could be stopped through political decisions by powerful countries.

He said China’s position was particularly important because of its relationship with Russia and its influence in international affairs.

His comments suggest that Kyiv wants China to take a more active political role in efforts to end the war rather than maintaining its current position.

China has presented itself as a country seeking a political solution to the conflict and has maintained relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Beijing has also rejected accusations that it is directly supporting Russia’s military campaign.

A Wider International Security Issue

Zelenskyy’s comments connect the war in Ukraine with security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

He argued that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could allow Pyongyang to acquire practical knowledge that could later affect the regional balance of power.

The Ukrainian president particularly highlighted drone warfare, which has become one of the defining technological aspects of the conflict.

He warned that the knowledge gained by North Korean forces could have implications beyond Europe if it is transferred back to North Korea.

Key Points

  • Zelenskyy said North Korea sent between 30,000 and 50,000 soldiers to Russia.
  • He said North Korean troops gained practical experience in modern warfare.
  • Zelenskyy highlighted their exposure to drones and drone operators.
  • He said North Korean forces suffered significant losses when directly involved in fighting during the Kursk operation.
  • He warned that returning personnel could bring battlefield experience back to North Korea.
  • Zelenskyy said the development could increase security concerns in East Asia and the Pacific.
  • He expressed disappointment that China has not provided stronger political support for Ukraine.
  • Zelenskyy said China has the political influence to help end the war.
  • He argued that major international powers could play an important role in stopping the conflict.

Source

This article is based on remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Japan’s NHK.