President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia is increasing troop recruitment and preparing to deploy additional North Korean soldiers to the front lines.
Key facts
- •President Zelensky reported that 10,000 additional North Korean troops are being prepared for deployment to Russia.
- •The new Russian military decree sets the total personnel count at 2,441,630.
- •Ukrainian intelligence estimates Russia aims to mobilize 300,000 personnel in both 2026 and 2027.
- •North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds.
- •Tensions exist between Kyiv and Seoul regarding the disclosure of captured North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sept. 28 that Russia has begun additional mobilization efforts following recent parliamentary elections. Zelensky warned that Moscow is actively recruiting more personnel and preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 North Korean troops to support its military operations. This follows reports that over 8,000 North Korean military personnel are already stationed within Russian territory.
By the numbers
Russian Military Expansion
Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized an increase in the size of the Russian armed forces on Sept. 28, setting the total number of personnel at 2,441,630, including 1,550,500 active-duty troops. This represents an increase of 15,500 personnel and marks the fourth such expansion since the beginning of 2025. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russian General Staff is prepared to mobilize approximately 300,000 personnel annually throughout 2026 and 2027, in addition to the roughly 400,000 recruits needed each year to replenish existing forces.
North Korean Involvement
Zelensky stated that Russia is providing technological assistance to North Korea in exchange for military support, noting that Pyongyang is now producing Shahed attack drones. Estimates from Ukrainian and South Korean sources suggest that North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024, with many deployed to the Kursk region. Pyongyang has also reportedly supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, as well as ballistic missiles and long-range artillery systems.
Timeline
- July 2026South Korea announced a US$100 million aid package for Ukraine.
- Sept. 21, 2026Russia held parliamentary elections, which were widely viewed as rigged by observers.
- Sept. 28, 2026President Zelensky warned of new mobilization efforts and North Korean troop deployments.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Kyiv Independent, Straits Times World.
