President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has raised concerns about the recent deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, warning that it poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to nations in Asia that are allied with the West. Zelenskyy emphasized that North Korea’s actions are not random and are part of a strategic plan to gain Russia’s support. The United States confirmed that 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia for training, with the majority expected to begin combat operations against Ukraine in the coming days.
Zelenskyy described the situation as a “war of two countries against one” and called on South Korea to take a more active role in countering Russia’s aggression. He stressed the gravity of the alliance between Russia and North Korea and warned that other countries like Iran could be next. South Korea has pledged to send a team of specialists to Ukraine to collaborate on defensive capabilities, including air defense. Zelenskyy encouraged South Korea to analyze the reality of North Korea’s capabilities firsthand and stressed the importance of being prepared for potential artillery strikes.
The Ukrainian president proposed the formation of an “Asian Security Alliance” and urged countries like South Korea and Japan to lead the charge. He also suggested that reaching out to China could be crucial in countering North Korea’s aggression. Zelenskyy expressed surprise at China’s silence on the matter, considering its role as a regional security guarantor. He warned that the unification of Russia and North Korea has direct implications for Ukraine as well as for partners in the East and allies in the West.
Zelenskyy highlighted President Vladimir Putin’s testing of Western and Asian allies by observing their response to North Korean forces joining the campaign against Ukraine. He warned that a weak response could lead to an increase in foreign soldiers on Ukrainian soil. The U.S. announced a $425 million aid package for Ukraine, which includes air defense interceptors, munitions, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons to enhance Ukraine’s security and defense capabilities. However, the package did not include Tomahawk intermediate-range missiles that Zelenskyy had requested.
Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the leaked report detailing the U.S. refusal to provide Ukraine with the advanced weaponry and criticized an anonymous senior U.S. official for leaking the information. He emphasized the need for adequate support to counter the increasing threats posed by Russia and North Korea. Zelenskyy’s concerns about the implications of the Russian-North Korean alliance extend beyond Ukraine and underscore the broader security challenges faced by both Eastern and Western allies. The situation calls for a coordinated response from nations in the region to address the escalating conflict and ensure stability and security in the face of growing threats.
