KYIV, Ukraine: North Korean ammunition supplies to Russia are intensifying Ukraine’s defence challenges as the war continues into its third year.
Lt. Gen. Kyrlyo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, revealed at the Yalta European Strategy conference that shipments of North Korean artillery shells have had a significant impact on Russian military activity.
According to Budanov, once a shipment arrives at a Russian port, there is a noticeable increase in Russian military operations within a week, which then persists for about two weeks.
Budanov highlighted that North Korea is supplying large quantities of critical artillery shells, which has exacerbated the difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces. This influx of North Korean munitions is crucial for Russia’s ongoing operations, particularly in the eastern region of Donetsk, where Russian troops are applying increased pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
Despite Ukraine’s efforts, it has been unable to counteract the effects of this ammunition supply. Russian artillery is reported to have a significant advantage, especially near the eastern town of Pokrovsk. While initially, the Russian advantage was 12 shells to every one fired by Ukraine, this disparity has been reduced to approximately 2.5 to 1. Nonetheless, the increased supply from North Korea has strained Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
In recent developments, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss various topics, including their bilateral military cooperation. Ukraine has tracked the supply route of North Korean ammunition, from ports to railroads and eventually to the battlefield. Budanov noted that these supplies pose a larger challenge compared to other forms of Russian assistance, such as that from Iran.
While Russia’s production of tanks and jets remains low, there has been a significant increase in the production and deployment of Iskander missiles and guided bombs. These weapons are heavily used on the front lines, affecting Ukrainian soldiers directly.
In response, Ukraine has employed drone strikes against targets deep within Russian territory, including oil refineries and weapons caches. These strikes have shifted the psychological landscape within Russia, undermining its perception of invincibility.
Ukraine is advocating for the use of Western weapons to strike further into Russia, targeting relocated military objects. Budanov suggested that Russia, facing worsening economic conditions, might aim to conclude the war by 2026.
