North Korea Provides 50% of Russia’s Ammunition Needs, Claims Ukraine’s Spy Chief
Ukraine’s military intelligence head reported that North Korea supplies 50% of Russia’s ammunition, enhancing Moscow’s capabilities in the ongoing conflict. This support includes artillery shells and advanced weapon systems, complicating Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian supply chains while highlighting the strategic partnership emerging between the two nations amidst the stagnation in front-line operations.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, indicated that North Korea is supplying 50% of Russia’s ammunition requirements, which underscores Pyongyang’s significant role in the ongoing conflict. Budanov noted that as Ukraine maintains its offensive against Russian supply chains, North Korea continues to enhance Russia’s military capacity, supplying munitions that primarily consist of artillery shells.
During a recent press briefing, Budanov detailed that North Korea is not only providing ammunition but also advanced military equipment, including 155mm self-propelled howitzers and multiple-launch rocket systems. These systems are identified as the M1989 “Koksan” howitzer and M1991 artillery system, both crucial in Russia’s operations against Ukraine.
North Korea’s support has reportedly escalated over the past year, with an estimated deployment of 11,000 to 12,000 troops to the Kursk region. This military assistance by Pyongyang comes amidst the stagnant combat lines where both Russia and Ukraine are vying for superiority while managing their respective industrial capabilities for military production and recruitment.
Additionally, the aid from North Korea isn’t solely altruistic. Reports indicate that Kim Jong Un receives technology transfers and financial support from Russia. This relationship enhances North Korea’s military technology, further intertwining the two nations’ defense capabilities during the conflict.
The substantial ammunition imports from North Korea complicate Ukraine’s strategy to deplete Russian supplies by targeting munitions factories and depots. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s military chief, previously remarked that Russian forces were using around 40,000 artillery shells daily but noted an impact from Ukraine’s strikes in reducing this number.
Furthermore, Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence, stated that Russia aims to produce 7 million artillery rounds and mines by 2025. This ambitious plan reveals Russia’s confidence in its production capabilities as it significantly outpaces production levels of European nations.
In contrast, the U.S. has ramped up its output, projecting production of 1.2 million shells annually by 2025. The EU also plans to boost its manufacturing to 2 million shells within the same timeframe, addressing the ongoing demand for artillery in Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has yet to respond to inquiries about these developments, indicating a potentially strategic silence amidst the ongoing conflict.
In summary, North Korea’s increasing military support for Russia, providing 50% of its ammunition and advanced military systems, marks a significant shift in the dynamic of the conflict with Ukraine. As both countries adapt their military strategies, the implications of these alliances may shape the future conduct of the war, especially concerning military production capabilities and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Original Source: www.businessinsider.com
