On October 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine’s defense relationships with its international partners need to adapt. This comes after North Korea reportedly sent both weapons and people to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.

While South Korea has raised concerns about North Korea possibly sending military personnel to Russia, the Kremlin has dismissed these claims. On Thursday, Russian officials called South Korean allegations of North Korean troop involvement “fake news.”

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy expressed concern over the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea. He pointed out that this is not just a matter of weapons transfers but also involves sending North Korean personnel to aid Russian military operations.

Zelenskiy emphasized that, in light of these developments, Ukraine’s defense strategy must change. He stressed the need for stronger long-range capabilities and consistent supplies for Ukraine’s military, beyond just basic equipment.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun added to the conversation, stating that there is a “high possibility” North Korea may send troops to assist Russia. He also mentioned reports suggesting North Korean officers might have been killed in a Ukrainian strike, saying these reports are likely true.

Despite these concerns, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the accusations, labeling them as yet another piece of “fake news.”