A Ukrainian civil organization has filed a lawsuit seeking damages from North Korea, Russia, and other countries, alleging that Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow has harmed both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
On February 12, DrukArmiya, a Ukrainian civil group, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that it had submitted a lawsuit to a Ukrainian court last week, targeting Russia, Belarus, Iran, and North Korea for their roles in the war.
The group argues that these nations must be held accountable for the damage inflicted upon Ukrainian citizens.
DrukArmiya specifically accused North Korea of actively supporting Russia’s invasion, which has caused severe destruction across Ukraine.
Since the early days of the war, North Korea has publicly backed Russia and supplied it with military equipment, including artillery shells and KN-23 ballistic missiles, which have been used in attacks resulting in civilian casualties.
“North Korea cannot escape responsibility for the deaths and injuries caused by its weapons in Ukraine,” the group stated.
Jake Volnov, the leader of DrukArmiya, told RFA that North Korea’s involvement in the war has been devastating and that the country should be held accountable for its actions.
“We are clearly victims of Russia’s aggression. Russia is using North Korea’s resources, and North Korea is complicit. In this situation, North Korea is Ukraine’s enemy. North Korean weapons and troops have been used as part of Russia’s invasion, killing our soldiers,” Volnov said.
He also highlighted the global threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
The lawsuit is currently being reviewed by a Ukrainian court, and a ruling has yet to be made.
DrukArmiya is demanding an astronomical compensation of 190 quadrillion Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $4 quadrillion USD)—a symbolic figure that the organization said is open to negotiation.
DrukArmiya is urging Ukrainian courts to freeze Russian and North Korean assets and use them for war reparations, citing U.S. and European legal precedents.
“Through this lawsuit, we aim to hold North Korea and Russia accountable,” Volnov said. “The world must take notice of this issue. Why is the international community doing nothing? History has shown that if aggressors are not confronted strongly, they will only escalate their actions.”
He also referenced Europe’s sanctions against Russia, noting that since February 2022, European Union (EU) countries—including Belgium—have frozen approximately €183 billion ($196 billion USD) in Russian assets. He called for these funds to be redirected as compensation for Ukraine.
According to RFA, DrukArmiya is actively supporting the Ukrainian military by manufacturing military equipment and training models using 3D printing technology.
Since its establishment, the group has produced over 1,000 military-related products and supplied them to Ukrainian forces, playing a crucial role in bolstering Ukraine’s combat capabilities.
North Korea has provided artillery shells, missiles, and other military supplies to Russia. In November 2024, it also dispatched approximately 11,000 troops to support Russian forces.
These North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the Kursk front in western Russia, where they are engaged in active combat against Ukrainian forces.
DrukArmiya emphasized that North Korea’s weapons and troops are not only killing Ukrainian soldiers but also causing civilian casualties, reinforcing the need for international accountability.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
