Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns about deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as well as satellite intelligence sharing with Iran. According to Ukrainian intelligence assessments, Russia is set to receive an additional 30,000 North Korean troops, with preparations reportedly underway in the Voronezh region since June. North Korea is also expected to supply more ballistic missile launchers to Russia, a move that allows North Korean forces to gain experience with modern warfare and weapons systems.
Zelensky highlighted that Russian forces have already used North Korean ballistic missiles, referencing a preliminary assessment of their use in a July strike near Kryvyi Rih. This military collaboration not only bolsters Russia’s capabilities but also enhances North Korea’s military proficiency through access to advanced weapons systems.
In addition to the Russia-North Korea alliance, Zelensky accused Russia of providing satellite intelligence to Iran. He claimed that since early July, Russian satellites have been surveilling Gulf countries and U.S. military facilities in the region, with some of the imagery subsequently shared with Iran. This intelligence sharing is said to have coincided with Iranian strikes, both before and after attacks, suggesting a coordinated effort between the two nations.
Specifically, Zelensky pointed out that Russian satellite activity focused on four Middle Eastern air bases located in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait on July 19 and 20. These developments underscore the potential implications for regional security dynamics, as Russia’s actions appear to facilitate Iranian military operations.
Ukraine plans to disseminate its intelligence findings on the alleged Russia-North Korea and Russia-Iran collaborations to international partners, seeking to alert the global community to the perceived threats posed by these growing alliances.