Ukrainian intelligence chief calls DPRK’s assistance to Russia essential to the war

The military assistance provided to Russia by North Korea has already caused Ukraine significant damage on the battlefield.

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, shared that military products from the DPRK affect the intensity of hostilities.

“Our biggest problem out of all these allies of Russia is North Korea. Because with the amount of military products they supply, they actually influence the intensity of hostilities,” Budanov said.

His words came as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised to deepen ties with Russia.

Kyiv has been observing the supply of weapons from Pyongyang to Moscow and feels their impact on the battlefield.

“There is a direct dependence. They supply huge amounts of artillery ammunition, which is critical,” Budanov said.

Western powers accuse North Korea of selling ammunition to Russia, which has been waging a full-scale war against Ukraine for more than two and a half years, in violation of sanctions.

“Unfortunately, I can say that there is nothing we can do about it so far. This is such an unfortunate truth,” the DIU’s Chief stated.

In June, it was reported that North Korea had shipped about 5 million artillery shells of various calibers to Russia by rail.

South Korean intelligence has recorded at least 10,000 shipping containers moving from the DPRK to Russia.

It is estimated that the containers can hold 4.8 million artillery shells.

Presumably, in response to the massive supply of artillery shells to Russia, the DPRK has the opportunity to acquire new technologies, primarily in the development of missile systems and satellites, as well as potentially supplying tanks and aircraft.