La Corée du Nord déploiera 30 000 soldats en Russie, selon le président ukrainien Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine claimed on Sunday that North Korea is preparing to send 30,000 troops to support Russia's military efforts in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, preparations have already begun in Russia's Voronezh region, which is located approximately 95 miles from the Ukrainian border. This move comes amid reports that Russia is struggling to maintain momentum on the battlefield due to increasing Ukrainian drone attacks and high casualty rates among its forces. Zelenskyy detailed his claims in a post on X, stating that Russia seeks additional combat personnel from North Korea, which possesses one of the largest standing armies in the world. He noted that North Korea has been exporting substantial quantities of weaponry to Russia, with the total value of these exports potentially surpassing the country's annual GDP over the past three years. Voronezh, a critical transportation hub southeast of Moscow, provides strategic access to several key regions including Kursk, where North Korean troops were previously engaged in combat from November 2024 to March 2025. It also connects to Belgorod, a frontline Russian city, and Rostov, a vital staging ground for Russian operations in southern and southeastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin faces mounting pressure to achieve a decisive battlefield advantage following prolonged Ukrainian counteroffensives. Recent data indicates that Russia's reliance on contract soldiers, volunteers rather than conscripts, is leading to higher attrition rates compared to recruitment levels. Zelenskyy mentioned that Moscow has mobilized 221,000 soldiers this year but has suffered nearly 225,500 casualties. Efforts to bolster troop numbers have led to continuous operation of recruitment centers in the Russian Far East, reportedly targeting individuals influenced by alcohol during late hours. Earlier in 2024, the Kremlin mobilized 300,000 reservists, though subsequent mobilizations have been avoided possibly to prevent unrest similar to that seen during the Soviet-Afghan War. North Korea, unlike Russia, does not face internal opposition to sending troops abroad. Kim Jong-un has publicly acknowledged the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers through emotional ceremonies and the establishment of a new war memorial. Zelenskyy added that North Korea is also transporting more ballistic missile launchers to Russia, further enhancing its military capabilities. North Korea has emerged as Russia's primary supplier of artillery and missile systems, complementing Iran's provision of drones. Reports suggest that North Korean missiles have become significantly more accurate due to实战 experience and potential Russian technological assistance. Zelenskyy warned that this collaboration poses a broader threat beyond Ukraine, noting that Russia is aiding North Korea in refining its warfare tactics and gaining practical combat experience. Despite having not participated in a major conflict since the Korean War concluded in 1953, North Korean forces have acquired modern combat skills through deployments in Kursk in 2024. A bilateral agreement signed in 2024 by Putin and Kim outlines mutual defense commitments should either nation's territory be attacked. However, it remains unclear whether recent diplomatic exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow have modified these arrangements. While 30,000 troops represent a considerable commitment for most nations, for North Korea, this scale of deployment aligns with its strategic priorities and military readiness.