Ukraine’s Zelensky Reveals North Korea’s Role in Arming Russia

Zelensky’s Speech in Brussels
North Korea’s Weapons Supply to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that “the scale of North Korea’s weapons supply to Russia is huge.”

In an interview reported by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 30th, President Zelensky responded to the question, ‘What kind of weapons is North Korea sending to Russia?’ by stating that North Korea is supplying Russia with 122mm and 152mm shells, as well as 125mm tank shells.

He added that Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems are undoubtedly being supplied as well, all adhering to Soviet standards.

President Zelensky further mentioned that Russia is unable to produce enough ammunition, and more countries are preparing to supply weapons to Russia. He added, “We are urging countries that supply or plan to supply weapons to Russia to stop, but we have not made contact with North Korea.” The National Intelligence Service of South Korea previously announced its belief that North Korea had supplied more than 1 million shells to Russia since early August.

In response to rumors that North Korean soldiers are fighting on the Russian front, President Zelensky said, “If a soldier from North Korea or any other country becomes a prisoner of war, we will then disclose the relevant facts.”

Interview with Asian Journalists

In an interview with journalists from seven Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, President Zelensky reaffirmed his belief that withdrawing Russian troops is necessary for peace in Ukraine.

He emphasized, “The only way we can achieve peace and safety is if Russian troops disappear from our territory. We will not recognize our territory as Russia’s.”

President Zelensky mentioned instances where Russia has broken previous agreements as a negative factor towards a ceasefire. In response to questions about the slow pace of Ukraine’s counterattack, he said, “It is tough to reclaim the land that the Russian side has heavily fortified. The Russian military completely dominates the sky.”

Global Attention Shift to Middle East

He also pointed out that the world’s attention has shifted to the Middle East due to the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, saying, “This is what Russia wanted to achieve, and the result they hoped for has become a reality.”

In addition, he requested China, “Please do not transfer not only lethal weapons but also military technology to Russia.”

By. Jung Young Wook