Ukraine urged its allies on Wednesday to implement new sanctions against Pyongyang, citing North Korea’s role as a de facto participant in the war alongside Russia.

In a speech to parliament outlining his victory plan, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian intelligence had confirmed North Korea’s provision of weapons and personnel to Russia. He reiterated earlier claims about this involvement.

“These individuals are being sent to Russian factories to replace those killed in the conflict, as well as personnel for the Russian army. This indicates that a second state is actively participating in the war against Ukraine on Russia’s side,” Zelenskiy remarked.

The Kremlin dismissed the accusations, labeling them as “fake news.” Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied transferring arms but have announced intentions to strengthen their military collaboration, potentially involving joint exercises.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the need for a strong response from Kyiv’s allies, including imposing new sanctions and further isolating Pyongyang, which has strengthened its ties with Russia since the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“This poses a significant threat of escalating the situation. We are approaching a new phase and new realities of the war,” he stated during a news conference in Odesa, a Black Sea city.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett noted on Tuesday that if North Korean troops are indeed involved in Ukraine, it would represent a major escalation in the North Korea-Russia defense relationship.

Washington has also claimed that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and ammunition.

General Charles Flynn, the US Army’s Indo-Pacific commander, mentioned at an event in Washington that North Korean personnel participating in the conflict would enable Pyongyang to receive real-time feedback on its weaponry, a development that had previously been unattainable.