President Zelensky issues fresh plea to use Western missiles to blast Russia in a 'pre-emptive strike' on North Korean troops massing there to strike Ukraine
- Core Insights Advisory Services
- Nov 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Source: Daily Mail
President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a fresh plea for Western long-range missiles as he hinted at calls for a 'pre-emptive strike' on North Korean troops massing in Russia.
Up to 10,000 of Pyongyang's troops are thought to be on the brink of entering the Ukraine conflict with some having already made their way to the Kursk border region, US intelligence has suggested.
It comes after North Korea also tested its own new intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday, claiming it to be the 'world's most powerful strategic deterrent'.
'And the world is still watching. We know where these North Korean troops are gathering in Russia.
'We could act preemptively if we had the means—long-range capability. Yet, America, the UK, and Germany watch.'
The Ukrainian leader has previously asked for Britain to give him permission to use its Storm Shadow missiles on targets in Russia - a plea which has so far been rebuffed by Downing Street.
However, Zelensky has likened this position to having to fight with his hands tied.
There were strong signals in September that a breakthrough on the issue was close, but the negotiations appear to have stalled amid threats of retaliation from Putin.
During a trip the Ukrainian president made to Downing Street earlier this month, the Government said the UK's position on Storm Shadow missiles had not changed.
As part of his victory plan, Zelensky has also asked the US if he can use America's ATACMS long-range missiles, a request that has also been rebuffed for fears of escalating the conflict.
'Biden can strengthen Ukraine and make important decisions for Ukraine to become stronger and protect its independence while he is the president of the United States,' Zelensky said back in September.
'I think it is a historical mission. Well, at least from the perspective of Ukraine.'
Russia has massively warmed ties with its North Korean neighbour since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 with the UK Defence Secretary today warning of a 'growing alliance of aggression' between the wo countries.
John Healey said on Friday evening that UK Defence Intelligence had confirmed 10,000 North Korean soldiers had arrived in Russia, with a 'significant proportion' heading for the Kursk region.
In an intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was 'almost certain some have already deployed to the Kursk region', where Ukraine has been carrying out a counterattack.
Mr Healey said: 'This growing alliance of aggression shows why we must continue to stand steadfast behind Ukraine's fight for freedom.'
His statement comes after the US and Nato also warned that North Korea was likely to have sent troops to assist Russia, with Western leaders describing the move as a significant escalation.
Meanwhile, North Korea's foreign minister Choe Son Hui visited Moscow on Friday for a meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that South Korea's spy agency suggested could have involved discussion of Pyongyang providing additional reinforcements.
The MoD's update said the countries had been looking to deepen their partnership, with Russia's parliament agreeing a treaty that included a mutual defence clause on October 24.
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Updates:
As of Friday, November 1, 2024, satelite images shows approximately 200,000 N. Korean troops amassed on the Ukraine / Russian boarder with more troops on the way. NOT 10,000 N Korean troops!
North Korea vows to stand by Russia until 'victory day' is achieved in Ukraine
North Korea will stand by Russia until its victory in Ukraine, Pyongyang's foreign minister said in Moscow Friday, as the US has warned thousands of North Korean troops could be sent to combat in the Ukraine conflict in the coming days.
North Korea's Choe Son Hui was in Moscow as the West believes up to 10,000 North Korean troops are training in Russia and on the brink of entering the more than two-year conflict on Russia's side. (CORRECTED TO 200,000 troops)
US intelligence has said some of the troops have made their way to the Kursk border region, with Washington and Seoul warning North Korea to withdraw its army.
'We will always stand firmly by our Russian comrades until victory day,' Choe declared in Moscow after talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
She said North Korea had no doubt in the 'wise leadership' of President Vladimir Putin, who signed a mutual assistance pact with Pyongyang this summer and massively warmed ties with the reclusive state.
Choe called Moscow's more than two year offensive in Ukraine a 'sacred struggle.'
She also vowed that North Korea will continue to develop its nuclear arsenal, with Pyongyang widely suspected of wanting nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for military support.
Neither country has denied the troop deployment reports, with Son Hui and Lavrov also not mentioning them in their statements after their talks.
Lavrov did however laud 'very close ties' between the two countries 'armies and special services.'
'This will also make it possible to solve significant security aims for our citizens and yours,' he added, without giving details.
Lavrov said Russia was 'deeply grateful' for North Korea's 'principled stance' on Ukraine.
Russia's Ukraine offensive, launched in February 2022, severed its ties with the West, while North Korea and Iran have emerged as Russia's main backers, with both believed to be supplying Moscow's troops.
'I really appreciate today's opportunity to talk frankly in a comradely manner,' Lavrov said, evoking Soviet-style language.
Russia has massively warmed ties with its North Korean neighbour, with Moscow and Pyongyang now among the most sanctioned countries in the world.