By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, North Korea is now providing up to 40% of Russia’s ammunition used in the war in Ukraine. The Kim Jong Un regime is also supplying Russia with other weaponry, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems. In exchange, Russia is offering financial and technological support to North Korea, easing its international isolation. This increasing cooperation solidifies the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
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Ukraine Spy Chief Says 40% of Russian Ammunition Is North Korean, and it’s a significant revelation from Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence. He’s stated that a staggering 40% of the ammunition Russia is using in its war against Ukraine is now being supplied by North Korea. This highlights the deepening partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow and paints a concerning picture of international dynamics.
This figure, if accurate, is substantial. It reveals a significant reliance by Russia on North Korean resources to sustain its military operations. Beyond just ammunition, Budanov noted that North Korea is also supplying other weapons systems, including ballistic missiles and artillery. This goes beyond simple aid, suggesting a fairly integrated supply chain and a deepening of military ties between the two nations.
The exchange dynamic, according to Budanov, is a critical aspect of this relationship. Russia provides financial support and technology to North Korea in return for weapons. This assists North Korea in navigating its international isolation. Essentially, Moscow is helping to prop up the Kim regime by providing resources that help them bypass sanctions and potentially improve their military capabilities.
Budanov’s account doesn’t stop with the supply chain, he also mentioned the impact of North Korean-made artillery. He attributed 60% of losses within military-intelligence units in the past three months to strikes by North Korean artillery. This is a stark indicator of the effectiveness of the weaponry North Korea is supplying, and it highlights the very real dangers faced by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
The question of retaliation against North Korea is naturally raised. Given the situation, the question of direct retaliation against North Korea arises. But, the options for retaliation are quite limited. They’re completely isolated economically from anyone that’s not China or Russia, their only allies. An open armed conflict isn’t something anyone wants.
Some believe the quickest way to end the war is to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles to strike Russian economic targets and infrastructure, impacting the ability to sustain the war effort. Others are skeptical, and believe that the best way to end the war is to stop aiding Ukraine.
Regardless of strategy, the situation underscores a shift in the global power dynamics. China’s role in enabling this relationship is undeniable, even if their participation is at a lower level. The war appears to have evolved into a more complex conflict, with North Korea and China indirectly, and potentially directly, becoming parties to the war.
The discussion inevitably touches upon the potential actions Ukraine could take. Some propose actions such as drone strikes, cutting rail lines used for supply, or even attempting to disrupt North Korean facilities. However, the inherent difficulty of directly confronting a nation as isolated as North Korea is recognized.
The implications of the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea are far-reaching. It highlights the challenges of international sanctions and the ability of certain regimes to circumvent them. The impact on the battlefield is evident, with North Korean weaponry contributing to the intensity and lethality of the conflict.