Ukraine’s Military Chief Warns of North Korea’s Weapons Supply to Russia

• Military chief Kirill Budanov reports North Korea is supplying up to 40% of ammunition to Russia.
• North Korean artillery and ballistic missiles account for significant Ukrainian military losses.
• U.S. President Trump has approved resumption of arms support for Ukraine.
• High-level meetings between Russian and North Korean officials signal deepening ties.
• Reports indicate increasing civilian casualties amidst ongoing Russian advances.

Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Reports North Korean Arms Supply

Ballistic missiles and artillery shells from North Korea are allegedly fueling the conflict in Ukraine, which has caught the attention of military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov. In a recent conversation with Bloomberg, Budanov disclosed that North Korean military support amounts to nearly 40 percent of the total artillery ammunition supplied to Russia for its ongoing offensive. This partnership involves not just conventional ordnance; Budanov noted that ballistic missiles and even complete artillery systems are being shipped from Pyongyang to Moscow, a fairly alarming revelation for those monitoring the war.

Ties Strengthened By Recent High-Level Meetings

Interestingly, Budanov mentioned that North Korea’s production capacity is continuous, operating around the clock to meet Russian demands. He observed that in the past three months, the losses in Ukrainian military units have intensified due to North Korean artillery, which he estimates to have contributed to up to 60 percent of recent casualty figures. The military collaboration between Russia and North Korea seems to be accelerating, particularly after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last June, which marked the first such diplomatic engagement in 24 years. During that meeting, a Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed, further solidifying military ties between the two nations.

U.S. Resumption of Arms Aid Following Increased Attacks

In a series of diplomatic gestures, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Pyongyang just last Friday, while security advisor Sergei Shoigu made his third visit to the North Korean capital within three months. In light of escalating reliance on North Korean weapons, the situation has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to authorize a renewed flow of arms to Ukraine, which includes critical air defense systems. During a press conference, Trump categorically criticized Putin’s actions, labeling them as devastating and termed his calls for a ceasefire as ‘foolish’. Budanov, however, remains hopeful about a potential ceasefire, believing that a trilateral agreement involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. could be in the cards before the end of the year.

The scrutiny of North Korea’s contributions to the Russian military effort in Ukraine raises concerns about the ongoing conflict’s implications. As intelligence reveals increasing shipments of artillery and missiles, including the steady flow of Russian funds and advanced technology to Pyongyang, the partnership appears to be a crucial factor in the war. Observers look to upcoming negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, amidst fears of rising civilian casualties and the dire humanitarian situation.