Only Three Countries Truly Know Modern Warfare, Intelligence Chief Says

Ukraine’s Chief of Defense Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, has highlighted that, in the modern world, only Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea possess practical experience in conducting full-scale warfare across extended front lines using virtually all available conventional military means.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to The Japan Times.

“There are currently only three countries in the world with the experience of waging a modern war on a very long front line using virtually all available conventional means — these are Ukraine, Russia and North Korea,” Ukraine’s stated Budanov.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korean troops suffered significant losses while in Russia. It is believed that around 5,000 soldiers were killed or wounded after an estimated 12,000 troops were sent last year to repel Ukraine's invasion of the Kursk region.

Kyrylo Budanov noted that the high level of initial losses was due to a lack of preparation for 21st-century warfare. ”What they were taught in North Korea turned out to be less relevant for modern assault operations,” he added.

Nevertheless, North Korea, in cooperation with the Russian army, has gradually adapted to modern realities. Ukrainian intelligence estimates that North Korea has replenished its troops in Russia, with the number returning to approximately 12,000.

The head of intelligence does not rule out the possibility that Pyongyang will send additional personnel both openly and secretly, for example, under the guise of migrant workers. 

Moreover, in mid-June, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that Pyongyang would send 6,000 military engineers to carry out demining and restoration work in the Kursk region. Budanov expressed doubt that this would be the sole purpose of the mission: “Some of them may indeed be involved in demining and building fortifications, but will all of them do that?”

Ukrainian military intelligence reports that North Korea currently supplies 40% of the Russian army's needs for 122 mm and 152 mm caliber ammunition, which is reportedly being produced "around the clock in North Korea.”

North Korea “is now a key military ally of Russia,” Budanov highlighted, noting that the flow of information and support is reciprocal.

“The Kremlin pays for all military equipment and troops. This is tens of billions of dollars’ worth, and for the economy of North Korea, one of the most isolated in the world, this is very serious money,” the intelligence chief noted.

Read more on The Gaze: Kremlin’s Foreign Legion: North Korea’s Role in Russia’s War and the New Global Divide