Russia is attracting troops from the DPRK due to problems within the country, said Commander of the U.S. Central Command (2008-2010), Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (2011-2012) David Petraeus.

He said during the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation that it is very difficult for Russia to move forward now, the Russians are trying to rely on external forces, the forces of the DPRK, they no longer have enough reserves for economic development, and these reserves are very much depleted.

He also added that many of these problems would be further exacerbated by sanctions.

Petraeus noted that any discussions to end the war would require serious guarantees from the United States regarding a security agreement with Ukraine to make future war impossible, otherwise Russia would renew its forces and could attack Ukraine again.

In response to the host's question about American support and assistance, Petraeus said that "Ukraine is producing tomorrow's technology today, and the American systems coming to Ukraine are today's or yesterday's."

He also noted the importance of Ukraine remaining on the path of reform despite the war.

He believes this is of great importance because the war will end and it is very important for post-war Ukraine to ensure success.

The general also noted that people need to be motivated, particularly young people.

“What Arseniy Yatsenyuk is doing by this youth conference and other similar events is of great importance,” Petraeus concluded.

The Kyiv Youth Security Forum is a leading platform for engaging young leaders in discussions on national security and international affairs.