Source: Zelensky in an interview with Kyodo News
Direct quote from Zelensky: "And he (Putin - ed.) does not want to lose the support of his society. Therefore, if not Russian cannon fodder, then there will be North Korean cannon fodder.
And if that is not enough, he will turn to other countries. His task is to reduce the public swelling that already exists in his state."
Details: Zelensky noted that Russians are dissatisfied with the number of deaths of Russian citizens in the war against Ukraine, and therefore Putin will seek to involve other countries in this war.
He added that Putin needs more effective military alliances in this conflict.
Direct quote: "As of today, Iran, North Korea are already his allies. In certain details, in some matters that are being passed on by the Chinese side, I believe... China also has allied relations with the Russian Federation in this war."