Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the deployment of 11,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, intended to support Kremlin forces against Ukraine. During his address on November 4, Zelensky criticized Western partners for their lack of response to this development, suggesting that without intervention, North Korean troops may engage in combat. Tensions were further highlighted during a joint press conference where Germany’s Foreign Minister mentioned military aid to Russia from North Korea, while a meeting between Vladimir Putin and North Korean officials signaled deepening ties between the two nations.