Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, has issued a stark warning: North Korea is supplying up to 40% of Russia’s artillery munitions for the war in Ukraine, with their weaponry, including ballistic missiles and complete artillery systems, directly contributing to Ukrainian casualties.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Budanov revealed that Pyongyang is not only sending shells but also ballistic missiles and full artillery systems. He asserted that these are “good weapons,” noting that approximately 60% of his units’ losses in the last three months were caused by North Korean missiles. “Their reserves are large, and production does not stop; it continues 24 hours a day,” he added.
In return for its military aid, Russia is providing North Korea with money and advanced technology, thereby helping Pyongyang alleviate its international isolation. This deepening cooperation follows Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in June of last year, during which a Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed. Budanov also claimed that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to assist the Russian army. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and security advisor Sergei Shoigu, have made numerous visits to Pyongyang in recent months.
US Aid Resumes, Ceasefire Possibility
The alarming report from Kyiv comes as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the resumption of arms shipments to Ukraine last week, including crucial air defense systems, after a temporary halt. Trump this week criticized Russian President Putin for “killing a lot of people” and dismissed reactions to ceasefire calls as “nonsense.”
Budanov expressed confidence that American support for Ukraine will continue, and stated that a ceasefire is possible only if Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. reach an agreement. “It can be achieved even before the end of the year,” he added.
Intensified Russian Attacks and Territorial Goals
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its offensive, launching 728 drones on July 9, causing damage to civilian infrastructure. The United Nations reported 232 civilian casualties and 1,343 injured in June, marking the highest number in three years.
Russian forces are making minor advances in northeastern regions, including Sumy, and are attempting to penetrate Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk. Budanov assessed that Russia would not be able to occupy all of Donbas by the end of the year but aims to create a 10-kilometer buffer zone within Ukrainian territory.
