Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on allied nations to cease their “watching” and take action before North Korean troops stationed in Russia enter the battlefield. He suggested the possibility of a preemptive strike by Ukraine on training camps where North Korean soldiers are located, stating that Kyiv is aware of their positions. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine cannot proceed without authorization from its allies to utilize Western-made long-range weaponry for strikes deep within Russian territory.

“Instead, America is watching, Britain is watching, Germany is watching. Everyone is simply waiting for the North Korean military to begin attacking Ukrainians as well,” Zelenskyy remarked in a post on the Telegram messaging app late Friday.

The Biden administration revealed on Thursday that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in the Kursk region of Russia, close to the Ukrainian border, preparing to assist the Kremlin in its fight against Ukrainian forces in the coming days.

Western officials have characterized the deployment of North Korean troops as a serious escalation that could disrupt relations in the Indo-Pacific region and pave the way for technology transfers from Moscow to Pyongyang, potentially enhancing North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities.

On Friday, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with her Russian counterpart in Moscow.

Ukrainian leaders have consistently stated that they require permission to use Western arms to target military depots, airfields, and bases far from the border, hoping to compel Russia to pursue peace.

In response, U.S. defense officials have indicated that the number of missiles available is limited, and that Ukraine is already employing its own long-range drones to strike targets deeper within Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly signaled that it would regard any such strikes as a significant escalation. President Vladimir Putin warned on September 12 that Russia would consider itself “at war” with the U.S. and NATO countries if they authorize such actions.  (AP)