Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on August 8 that a decision has been made for between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops to be deployed on Russian soil to fight alongside Russian forces [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. This number is higher than Zelensky's previous estimate of 30,000 troops given in July 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He did not disclose the source of this intelligence [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Zelensky revealed Ukraine has found some North Korean missiles inside its territory but gave no precise locations [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He added that North Korea will continue to gain modern warfare experience and receive weapon production licenses and military equipment from Russia, highlighting the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang [1]. "North Korea will continue to build its experience in modern warfare, receive licences from Russia, and receive all kinds of military tools from them," Zelensky said [1].

The Russia-North Korea comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, signed during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, includes mutual assistance if either country faces external aggression [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Following that treaty, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region in 2024 to help repel a large Ukrainian incursion [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

More recently, videos appeared online on August 6 showing North Korean soldiers training in Russia. They wore rain boots, indicating preparation for operations in late summer or autumn [4]. There are reports of a North Korean missile unit deploying to western Russia, possibly equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers aimed at Ukraine [1, 4]. North Korea has also supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems [1, 4].

Zelensky called on South Korea to provide support to Ukraine, especially in air defense, where Ukraine faces shortages. He said, "In my view, the Republic of Korea should have closer cooperation with Ukraine. We are open to this. We would very much like to receive support from South Korea in an area where we have a shortage. That is air defense systems" [6]. He added that Ukraine is ready to work with South Korea on drone deals and other cooperation areas [1].

Zelensky's announcement on August 8 on social media signaled a new phase in Russia's military partnership with North Korea amid continued fighting in Ukraine [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].