Reports showed that North Korean troops militarily supported Russia. But, speaking during the evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on international allies to confront North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to Zelenskiy, there could be up to 12,000 militants from North Korea preparing to join Russian Troops.

“This is a challenge, but we know how to respond to it,” Zelenskiy said. At the same time, he called on international partners to stand up against growing threats, noting that the international community must act in unison and decisively. “It is important that partners do not hide from this challenge as well,” he emphasized.

Zelenskiy blamed North Korea and Russia for their disregard for the human cost of the war. “All of us in the world are equally interested in the defeat of this war and not its continuation. We have, therefore, to stop Russia and its accomplices.”

Zelenskiy’s statements followed similar warnings issued by Western leaders. British Defence Secretary John Healey said it was “highly likely” that North Korea had already begun sending hundreds of troops to assist Russia on the battlefields. This shift marks a turning point because the forces are now taking the stage outside the battlefield.

A senior US diplomat responded to the reports that Washington was concerned. He said officials are consulting with allies regarding the implications of North Korea’s involvement. “If this is true, this would be very dangerous and highly concerning,” he said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte showered scorn on the possibility of North Korean troops being deployed to assist Russia, cautioning that the move would vastly expand the conflict in Europe.

The North Koreans’ involvement in this war will only make it harder to resolve. Zelenskiy appealed for more international pressure on both Russia and North Korea, saying, “If Pyongyang feels able to send troops to a European war, then that testifies that global pressure upon the regime has been insufficient.”

With this involvement of North Korean forces, the war enters its third year; it heralds a new, disturbing chapter in the war, with Russia now further entrenching itself in a military alliance with authoritarian states. The leaders in the West U.S., U.K., and NATO now face addressing this increasing participation without further destabilizing the region.

The appeal set by Zelenskiy underrates the urgency of the situation, while Ukraine is simultaneously dealing with both the attacks from Russia and North Korean forces to continue deadly quests. His call on allies testifies to the urgency of securing a united and prompt reaction to stall further escalation of the war, which has deprived many lives and destroyed the country of Ukraine.

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