N Korean troops about to deploy into combat alongside Russians, warns Ukraine

Ukrainian intelligence services fear that North Korean troops are to be deployed in Ukraine alongside Russian forces imminently.

According to president Volodymr Zelensky, Ukraine's commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has informed him that the first of Pyongyang's forces could be deployed within the next three days.

"According to intelligence, the first North Korean soldiers are expected to be deployed by Russia to combat zones as early as 27-28 October," said the president.

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He said: "North Korea's actual involvement in combat should not be met with indifference or uncertain commentary, but with tangible pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang, to uphold the UN Charter and to hold them accountable for this escalation.

"This is a clear escalation by Russia, which is significant in contrast to all the misinformation widely circulated in Kazan these days.

"The world can clearly see Russia's true intentions: to continue the war.

"This is why a principled and strong response from global leaders is essential."

Defence ministers from the UK and US have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops inside Russia, with Defence Secretary John Healey describing it as a shocking new development.

South Korea's intelligence services confirmed that Pyongyang had sent 1,500 special operations forces to Russia to support Moscow.

Furthermore, Ukraine believes that 10,000 North Korean soldiers were being prepared to join the invading Russian forces.