Zelensky "Phone Call with President Yoon... Discussed 'North Korean Military Involvement in Ukraine War'"

"Thank You for Korea's Continuous Support"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, announced on the 29th (local time) that he had a phone call with President Yoon Suk-yeol and discussed the issue of North Korean troops' involvement in the Ukraine war.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Zelensky stated on X (formerly Twitter) that day, "I spoke with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol," and "Above all, I expressed gratitude for South Korea's continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." He added, "We discussed North Korean troops' involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine," and said, "The conclusion is clear. This war is becoming internationalized and expanding beyond the two countries."

President Zelensky shared, "I shared with him recent information that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to a Russian training ground near the combat zone," and "The number of North Korean troops stationed is expected to increase to about 12,000." He also said, "We agreed to strengthen the exchange of intelligence expertise, enhance communication at all levels, especially at the highest levels, develop action strategies and measures to respond to this escalation of tensions, and involve mutual partners in cooperation." He added, "As part of this agreement, Ukraine and South Korea will soon exchange delegations to coordinate measures."

President Zelensky added, "Finally, I requested South Korea's participation in the G7 Vilnius Declaration on bilateral security guarantees to support Ukraine." Earlier, the G7 leaders announced a joint declaration in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July last year during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, focusing on long-term military and economic support for Ukraine.