As part of this tie-up, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said earlier this month that North Korea would likely send its soldiers to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian troops. Ukrainian media reported in early October that North Korean soldiers died after Kiev troops bombed Russian-occupied areas near Donetsk.

In his Sunday address, Zelensky reiterated his call for Ukraine's Western allies to allow Kiev to deploy long-range weapons deeper into Russian territory, saying: “We must act now to prevent Russia and its accomplices from adapting to our capabilities.” “

“When we talk about giving Ukraine greater long-range capabilities and more crucial supplies for our armed forces, it is not just about a list of military equipment,” Zelensky said in his address on Sunday. “True peace can only be achieved through strength, and all of next week will be dedicated to working with our partners in the interests of that strength and true peace.”

This week is crucial for Ukraine and its allies on the EU stage.

European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, where they are expected to discuss Zelensky's war victory plan. They will also try to release EU funding to Ukraine that Hungary has withheld. Budapest is also blocking plans by the EU, Washington and the G7 to grant a major loan to Ukraine.

Starting this Thursday, the EU heads of state and government will meet in Brussels. Support for Ukraine is on the agenda of their European Council summit.