- North Korea supplies 40% of Russian artillery ammunition in Ukraine.
- Kirill Budanov reveals 60% of Ukrainian losses due to North Korean missiles.
- Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea is strengthening.
- US arms deliveries to Ukraine resumed amid ongoing conflict.
- Budanov believes a ceasefire could be achieved before year-end.
Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Exposes Russian-North Korean Alliance
In a striking revelation regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, has alerted the world that Russia is heavily reliant on North Korean weaponry. During an insightful interview with Bloomberg, he disclosed that a staggering 40 percent of the artillery ammunition currently used by Russia in its military operations comes directly from North Korea. This alarming partnership comes in the form of not just shells but also ballistic missiles and complete artillery systems, a troubling situation given the reported exchange of financial resources and advanced technology from Russia to assist in alleviating North Korea’s isolation on the global stage.
North Korean Weapons Contributing to High Casualty Rates
Budanov further elaborated that North Korean arms are proving deadly effective, contributing significantly to Ukraine’s military losses. He stated that approximately 60 percent of the casualties sustained by his units over the past three months are attributable to missiles stemming from North Korea. He emphasized the relentless nature of North Korea’s military production, stating that it operates continuously, 24 hours a day, which raises a pressing concern regarding the sustainability of the conflict and the influx of arms into the battlefield. The ongoing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has only intensified since President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last June where a Strategic Partnership Agreement was sealed, showcasing the deepening ties between these two nations.
Diplomatic Moves Amid Ongoing Military Strain
In light of these developments, the interactions between Russian and North Korean officials have become increasingly frequent. Notably, recently Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a trip to Pyongyang, following a sequence of visits by Putin’s security adviser, Sergei Shoigu, who has visited the North Korean capital multiple times in recent months. This flurry of diplomatic activity has heightened concerns from the West. On a parallel note, as Ukraine continues to suffer under increasing military pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump has resuscitated arms deliveries to Ukraine. Amid mixed sentiments about his relationship with Putin, Trump has publicly criticized the Russian president, accusing him of causing tremendous distress and loss of life, and he remarked that any calls for a ceasefire from Russia are foolish. Budanov holds a firm belief that the support from the U.S. will endure, persisting into the foreseeable future. He mentioned the possibility of a ceasefire, noting that an agreement involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. could indeed be attainable by the year’s end.
The conflict in Ukraine is becoming increasingly complex as North Korea provides significant military support to Russia, leading to worrying casualty rates for Ukrainian forces. Diplomatic exchanges between Russia and North Korea are intensifying, indicating a deepening military alliance. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues its support for Ukraine, suggesting the ongoing conflict may not see a resolution in the immediate future, despite hopes for a ceasefire.
