North Korea supplies nearly half of Russia’s ammo, says Ukraine intel chief
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is currently supplying 40% of Russia’s ammunition for the full-scale war in Ukraine, stated Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to Budanov, the DPRK is also providing Russia with other weaponry, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems. In return, Moscow supplies money and technology and helps ease Pyongyang’s international isolation.
"Those are good weapons. North Korea has huge stockpiles, and production goes on around the clock," Budanov said.
Support for Russia from North Korea
During the war, Russia strengthened its military ties with North Korea after leader Vladimir Putin signed a Strategic Partnership Treaty with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024.
North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to assist Russia in the Kursk region. In particular, Kim Jong Un pledged to support Russia in its war against Ukraine unconditionally.
According to media reports, the DPRK also plans to send up to 30,000 more soldiers to fight against Ukraine in the coming months.
Russia, for its part, officially acknowledged the participation of North Korean troops in the war only in April 2025.
