President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Photo: Johanna Geron/ Reuters
Russia is preparing to send about 10,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, citing information from Ukrainian intelligence. This was reported by the dpa news agency.
Zelenskyy stressed that the significant losses of Russian troops at the front, as well as domestic resistance to mobilisation, are forcing Moscow to look for other ways to replenish its military resources. Speaking at the summit in Brussels, the Ukrainian leader noted that the involvement of North Korean soldiers is “very urgent” for the Russian leadership.
“Russia is facing a critical shortage of personnel and is resorting to any possible allies to maintain its positions in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump’s support for NATO
During his speech in Brussels, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also addressed the issue of support for Ukraine in the international arena, particularly in the context of its aspirations for NATO membership. He stated that Donald Trump, a candidate in the US presidential election, agreed with Ukraine’s arguments for joining the North Atlantic Alliance.
“During our recent meeting, Trump said that I had convincing arguments in favour of Ukraine becoming a NATO member,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he believed Trump would support this initiative.
At the same time, the issue of Ukraine’s accession to NATO remains one of the most controversial within the alliance. Germany and the United States are particularly cautious about it, expressing concern that such a step could lead to further escalation of the conflict and involvement of other allies in the war.
Zelenskyy, however, strongly rejects these concerns, stressing that inviting Ukraine to join NATO is not an escalatory step, but rather a necessary gesture of support.
“If you really want Ukraine to become a part of NATO, words must be backed up by actions,” Zelenskyy concluded.
