Kiev Raises Alarm: North Korea Supplies Weapons to Russia

• Ukraine’s military intelligence warns of North Korean arms supplies to Russia.
• Budanov claims 40% of Russian artillery ammo is from North Korea.
• North Korea is reportedly sending ballistic missiles and artillery systems.
• Recent cooperation between Russia and North Korea has deepened significantly.
• US arms deliveries to Ukraine are being resumed following recent escalations.

Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Reveals North Korea’s Arms Supply

Kiev is sounding a serious alarm over recent developments connected to Russia’s military capabilities. Head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, has disclosed alarming details regarding the supply of artillery ammunition from North Korea to Russia. Reportedly, up to 40 percent of the artillery shells currently utilized by Russian forces in the war against Ukraine stems from North Korean production. Budanov shared these insights during a recent interview with Bloomberg, emphasizing that the North Korean regime is not merely supplying shells but also ballistic missiles and entire artillery systems.

Weaponry Impacts and Ongoing Production Threats

The nature of this cooperation between Russia and North Korea extends beyond just armaments. Budanov shared that Russian forces have been experiencing significant losses attributed to North Korean weaponry. In fact, he noted that approximately 60 percent of the losses in his military units in the last quarter derives from North Korean missiles. To make matters worse, North Korea maintains large arsenals, which are in continuous production around the clock, posing a real threat to Ukraine’s defenses.

Deepening Russia-North Korea Ties

As the alliance between Russia and North Korea tightens, significant diplomatic gestures have occurred recently. For instance, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, made a visit to Pyongyang just last Friday, while Sergei Shoigu, Putin’s security advisor, made his third trip to the North Korean capital within a mere three months. Furthermore, Budanov alleges that North Korea has mobilized thousands of troops to aid Russian military efforts in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, Western intelligence estimates suggest that millions of artillery shells have made their way from Pyongyang to Moscow, causing further worries for Ukrainian resilience.

US Arms Support and Potential Ceasefire Discussions

In the wake of these troubling developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the revival of arms deliveries to Ukraine, underscoring a focus on providing key air defense systems. Despite a tempestuous relationship with Putin in the past, Trump has recently critiqued the Russian president’s actions, acknowledging the extensive toll it has taken on civilians. Budanov expressed optimism regarding the endurance of American support, suggesting that cooperation from the U.S. government would remain steadfast, despite prevalent media narratives. He also mentioned that a ceasefire could be established, contingent upon a comprehensive agreement involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., hinting that such discussions could unfold before the year’s end.

In summary, North Korea’s military support for Russia poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s national security, revealing a precarious arms supply chain that bolsters Russian forces. As diplomatic engagements between Moscow and Pyongyang ramp up, the situation remains fluid. Nevertheless, Ukrainian military intelligence maintains that American support will continue, leaving room for potential negotiation towards peace.