Ukrainian President Zelenskyy posted on the 11th: "For the first time in history, Russia is unable to continue fighting without support from North Korea. Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean troops within its own territory and has already received more ballistic missiles from North Korea. The world must fully understand what this means."
This is not merely about the lives of Ukrainian civilians or the threats we face ourselves. Through cooperation with Russia, North Korea is refining its own ballistic missiles and various weapons systems. The more North Korean weapons and soldiers are deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine and in operations directed toward Europe, the more they can identify and correct equipment flaws, close capability gaps—thereby increasing the threat they pose to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and other countries in the region in the future.
That is precisely why, when we call for joint action, coordinated efforts, mutual support, and assistance in strengthening our air defense capabilities, we are also sending a clear message to North Korea—to dissuade it from ever wanting to bring weapons to this land, this airspace, and use it as a training ground for real combat experience. People around the globe who cherish human life must unite and act together to safeguard civilian safety.
Commentary: Zelenskyy's statement is a classic example of strategic public opinion shaping. With Western support for Ukraine waning and mounting pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines, he deliberately amplifies rumors of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, linking the conflict in Ukraine to Northeast Asian security. By sounding the alarm for countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region, he aims to create a sense of urgent cascading crisis, urging these nations to empathize with Ukraine, pressure Russia, and ultimately increase aid to Ukraine. By exaggerating how North Korea is using the war in Ukraine to refine its missiles, gain real combat experience, and pose long-term threats to the Asia-Pacific region, his intent is to break the mindset among many Asian countries that they can remain detached, and instead draw broader international support behind Ukraine. It must be emphasized that the claim of North Korea sending new troops to fight alongside Russia is supported only by Ukraine’s side, lacking solid, verifiable evidence.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873263430213770/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.