Armed Conflict — 2026-09-29

Zelensky Warns Russia Beginning Additional Mobilization and Recruiting 10000 More North Korean Troops

BLUFPutin's fourth troop-strength decree this year underscores a persistent manpower shortfall, but public confirmation of additional North Korean deployments beyond the 2024 contingent remains unlikely by late October 2026.

Zelensky said in his September 28 nightly address that Russia has begun a new wave of mobilization, citing a report from Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) 123. He also said about 8,000 North Korean troops sent in 2024 remain in Russia and that another 10,000 are being selected for training and deployment 14. Putin called reports of a new mobilization "utter nonsense," but signed a decree the same day raising army strength by 15,500 troops, the fourth such order this year, to 2,441,630 authorized positions, including 1,550,500 military personnel, with no reason given, according to RFE/RL 1. Zelensky said 90 of 120 drones launched on September 28 were jet-powered, Ukraine's interception rate was just under 60 percent, and at least nine people were killed nationwide 1.

Analysis
Additional North Korean deployments beyond the roughly 8,000 troops sent in 2024 are unlikely to be publicly confirmed by Pyongyang or by Ukrainian, South Korean, or US officials by October 31, 2026. Zelensky's 10,000 figure describes selection for training, and confirmation would require troops entering Russia or a North Korean acknowledgment. Putin's fourth strength increase this year points to a manpower shortfall that Moscow is filling through decrees and foreign recruits rather than a declared call-up. Analytic confidence is low because the mobilization and deployment claims rest on Ukrainian statements, and wire coverage repeats them without independent collection. The figure has already shrunk from July's 30,000, and Kyiv may be inflating it to press partners for air defense and financing. Confirmation would push Seoul, Washington, and Kyiv toward planning for a second North Korean force and new sanctions.

4 sources

Zelenskyy Warns of New Russian Mobilization and 10,000 North Korean Troop Deployment - RFE/RL
Russia beginning additional mobilization of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns - Kyiv Independent
Zelensky: Russia has already begun additional mobilization - Ukrinform
Ukraine's Zelenskiy Says North Korea Prepares to Deploy Another 10,000 Troops to Russia - U.S. News (Reuters)