On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western nations to adopt a firmer stance against Russia. Amid suspicions that North Korean troops could be deployed to Russia, Zelenskyy strongly condemned these movements as an attempt to escalate the war.
In his address, Zelenskyy said, “Putin fears peace and seeks to drag North Korea into the front lines to continue the war,” underscoring that this is a clear indication that Russia aims to prolong the conflict. He emphasized the critical importance of reclaiming territories occupied during the war’s early stages, particularly the Kursk region, where North Korean troops are reportedly likely to be stationed.
In August, Ukraine had temporarily occupied the Kursk region, which borders Russia. Reports suggest that if North Korean troops do arrive, they will be stationed in Kursk. Zelenskyy is calling for urgent action from the West, warning that the deployment of North Korean troops is becoming a reality.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Ukraine in response to these developments, pledging $400 million in additional military aid. During discussions with Zelenskyy, the two leaders focused on using long-range weapons to target Russian military facilities and strategies to increase weapons production. Ukraine’s presidential office also noted that they are considering elevating the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meetings to a summit level in a bid to solidify international support.
President Joe Biden was scheduled to attend the UDCG meeting in Germany but was forced to cancel due to the aftermath of hurricane damage in the U.S. Most UDCG meetings held since the outbreak of war primarily occurred via video conference.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues on the eastern front. In Donetsk, a village near Pokrovsk experienced casualties from a Russian attack, while missile strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region also claimed lives. Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of Russian air defense missile systems.
As tensions mount over North Korea’s potential involvement, Ukraine is pushing for stronger support from the West.
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