Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, expressed concern on Saturday over Russia’s growing reliance on North Korean military support and increased production of guided bombs, which have intensified battlefield challenges for Ukrainian forces. Budanov emphasized that North Korea’s supply of artillery ammunition is particularly critical for Russia, significantly bolstering their offensive capabilities.
Budanov’s remarks, made during the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv, highlighted the significant impact of North Korean aid on Ukraine’s defense, overshadowing the support Russia receives from other allies. He noted that the artillery supplies from Pyongyang have played a key role in escalating hostilities in eastern Ukraine. Independent analysts and international governments, including the US and Ukraine, confirm that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been supplying missiles and ammunition to Russia in exchange for economic and military aid.
In addition to concerns over ammunition, Budanov pointed out that Russia’s increased production of guided bombs, particularly Iskander-type missiles, poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s forces. These weapons have been used in frequent attacks, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including power grids.
Budanov further predicted that Russia may face a recruitment crisis by mid-2025, which could force Moscow to either implement mass mobilization or reduce the scale of hostilities, potentially marking a turning point in the war.
