### Zelenskyy Urges West to Remove Limits on Long-Range Weapons Amid Rising Threats

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons, which he argues are essential for Ukraine to launch preemptive strikes against North Korean troops on Russian soil. In a recent Telegram post, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is aware of the locations where Russia is amassing North Korean soldiers on its territory.

"If we had the capability for a long-range strike, we could act preemptively," Zelenskyy wrote, underscoring that the decision rests with Ukraine's Western partners. He specifically called out the United States, Britain, and Germany for their hesitation: "But instead of the long-range strike that is so necessary, America is watching, Britain is watching, Germany is watching. Everyone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start striking at Ukrainians."

Zelenskyy has persistently appealed to Western nations for permission to deploy deep-strike weapons against Russian targets. While the UK and France have shown some support for the idea, the United States and Germany remain cautious, concerned about potential escalation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Recent intelligence indicates that about 8,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia's Kursk region, ready to join the conflict within days. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that these troops have not yet entered combat but are expected to soon. He added that Russian forces have been training the North Korean soldiers in artillery, drone operations, and basic infantry tactics. Austin stated that should these troops engage in combat against Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate military targets.

This development comes alongside North Korea's announcement of successfully testing an intercontinental ballistic missile, named the "Hwasongpho-19," which flew over 1,000 km before landing in the Sea of Japan. Responding to the missile test, Zelenskyy reiterated his call for action, warning that the world is merely watching as North Korea's threat escalates. "Thousands of North Korean soldiers are already near Ukraine's borders, preparing to fight. And the world is still watching," Zelenskyy wrote on the platform X.