Zelensky Alarms Over Russian Plans as Kremlin Refuses Comment

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of North Korean troop deployments and upcoming Russian mobilization, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismisses the statements.

North Korean Troops and Ballistic Missile Launchers

North Korean soldiers have been participating in the war on the Russian side since the second half of 2024. On Saturday, Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Telegram that Russia plans to accept another 30,000 personnel, with preparations underway in the Voronezh Oblast since June. The Ukrainian president wrote that North Korea is also preparing to transfer additional ballistic missile launchers to Russia.

Zelensky stated that this threat extends beyond Ukraine, noting that Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve weapons, and gain combat experience. He warned that this poses a threat to everyone in Asia within range of North Korean missiles and pledged that Ukraine will counteract it.

Kremlin Response to Zelensky’s Statements

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the Ukrainian president’s remarks on Monday, stating that he does not see the need to comment and that it is not up to Zelensky to discuss Russian plans.

Regarding reports from the previous week about a proposed airspace truce discussed by US and Ukrainian representatives, Peskov stated that Russia has not received any specifics. He described the information as media speculation lacking concrete details or new proposals.

Potential Mobilization in Russia

According to Zelensky, Russia is considering mobilization, with intelligence reports indicating that Vladimir Putin is preparing for it following the State Duma elections on September 21. Zelensky told Sky News that Putin intends to intensify mobilization quietly in early October to avoid domestic backlash, aiming to draft between 300,000 and 500,000 people if logistical hurdles and comprehensive sanctions do not stop him.