“Today we already have preliminary data that the Russians have started using North Korean soldiers in their assaults. A significant number of them. The Russians integrate them into combined units and use them in operations in the Kursk region. So far, only there. But we have information suggesting that their use could extend to other parts of the front line. There are also already notable losses in this category,” Zelensky said in his video address.

According to him, in essence, Moscow dragged another state into this war, and “to the fullest extent possible”.

“And if this is not an escalation, then what is this escalation that so many people are talking about? It is Putin who is taking steps to expand and prolong this war. It is he who rejects any possibility of peace. Moreover, he wants to create more problems for the world in Asia. This is why the Russians are training North Korea in modern warfare,” Zelensky said.

He stressed that Moscow is ignoring calls from all countries, from China to Brazil and many others, about the need to do everything possible to de-escalate the situation.

“Whenever there is no firm global response, Russia escalates the war. This has always been the case. We will defend ourselves, including against these North Koreans. And we will continue to act in coordination with all our partners to end this war – to end it decisively, with guaranteed peace,” the president said.

According to him, next week there will be a discussion on joint efforts in Europe. “Sanctions against Russia, support for our defense and investment in the collective defense of Europe, as well as strong diplomacy for peace – all this must be expanded from week to week, so that Next year, with our partners, we can achieve our main objective. objective,” Zelensky said.

As reported, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the command of the North Korean army units in Russia was ordered to cooperate with neighboring Russian units engaged in military operations in the region of Kursk. Part of the DPRK troops are secretly transported to the front line in civilian trucks that resemble fuel trucks.