Ukrainian President Zelensky warns of Russia’s plan to add 150,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, escalating threats to NATO countries like Poland and Lithuania. This military buildup stems from a shortage of personnel amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasizes the need for European peacekeepers and cautions against underestimating Russia’s intentions, which could lead to further aggression in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised alarms over Russia’s military expansion, anticipating an increase of 150,000 troops, including those from North Korea, in response to ongoing conflicts with Ukraine. In an interview with The Guardian, he highlighted concerns that enhanced Russian forces might attempt aggressions against Poland and Lithuania after their training in Belarus. A map published by Newsweek illustrates potential threats to Warsaw and Vilnius from Belarusian deployments.
The necessity for Russia to strengthen its military arises from severe crew shortages caused by the prolonged war in Ukraine. The close relationship between Russia and North Korea is underscored by their military training collaborations, with Belarusian officials reporting the establishment of training centers for Russian forces as early as December 2024.
Zelensky elaborated on Russia’s military plans, stating, “Intelligence has informed me that Russia plans to increase its army by 12 to 15 divisions in 2025, which we estimate will add around 150,000 troops,” according to Pravda. He also noted that the current size of Russian military forces far surpasses that of Ukraine’s—220 brigade versus 110 brigade. He fears that this growing force could outweigh the combined European combat forces.
Past Russian invasions have been launched from Belarus, and Zelensky warned that further training could lead to escalated aggressions. He expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, saying, “If Putin wants peace… why does a country… increase its forces by 150,000?” He has called for substantial European military presence to deter future attacks, suggesting at least 200,000 peacekeepers might be needed.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to send additional troops and equipment to assist Russian efforts in Ukraine, with heavy casualties already recorded among North Korean soldiers. Kremlin political analyst Dmitry Abzalov indicated a high demand for North Korean combatants, stating replacements are expected shortly as the country has already lost considerable personnel in the conflict.
South Korea and U.S. intelligence sources estimate that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with Ukraine reporting thousands of casualties. Meanwhile, Zelensky emphasized the need for vigilance regarding further Russian military developments, posting on X, “Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions… not for negotiations, but for the continuation of war.”
Responses from various officials, including U.S. Congress members, have echoed concerns regarding the military buildups in Russia, North Korea, and Iran, highlighting the urgent need for increased defense investments.
Consequently, the future military engagements depend significantly on the level of support provided to Ukraine by its allies, indicating a critical phase in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
Zelensky’s warnings about Russia’s military expansion signal a concerning trend for Eastern European security. The introduction of North Korean troops into the mix exacerbates the threat level. As the balance of power shifts, the necessity for a robust response from NATO and Europe becomes increasingly urgent, particularly in light of potential aggressions towards neighboring countries like Poland and Lithuania.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
