North Korea Supplies 40% of Russian Ammunition, Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Warns
Up to 40% of Russia’s artillery ammunition used in its war against Ukraine now comes from North Korea, according to Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, signaling an alarming deepening of defense ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, The Gaze reports.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Budanov said North Korean-supplied weapons have significantly bolstered Russia’s battlefield capacity in recent months, leading to heavy losses among Ukrainian frontline units.
“North Korea possesses vast stockpiles, and its production goes on around the clock,” Budanov said, adding that the munitions being delivered to Russia are “good.”
He also emphasized that approximately 60% of losses in military intelligence units over the past three months have been caused by strikes from North Korean-made artillery.
In exchange for arms, Russia is reportedly providing North Korea with cash and military technology – support that helps the isolated regime in Pyongyang circumvent international sanctions and strengthen its defense capabilities.
This military cooperation has deepened since Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024. As part of the pact, thousands of North Korean personnel have been sent to Russia, including to the Kursk region, to assist in military operations.
Meanwhile, diplomatic exchanges have intensified: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to visit Pyongyang again, and top security aide Sergei Shoigu has already made three visits to North Korea in recent months.
Despite the challenges, Budanov expressed confidence in Ukraine’s cooperation with Western intelligence services, calling it “excellent.” He highlighted how Ukraine depends heavily on U.S. satellite imagery and early missile-warning data, while also offering valuable human intelligence in return.
However, Budanov urged Western partners to return to relying on human intelligence. “Stop believing that technical intelligence will solve everything. No one will discuss and plan an operation on a mobile phone.”
The Intelligence Chief said he hopes to remain in his post until the war ends. Looking ahead, Budanov said his ultimate hope is peace. “Now, my dream is to stop this war,” he said. “Ukraine is a country of opportunities. In future, I’ll decide what I would like to do.”
Read more on The Gaze: How does North Korea Actually Help Russia in Its War Against Ukraine?