Budanov: North Korea Covers 40% of Russian Army’s Need for Artillery Shells

The head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, said that up to 40% of all ammunition used by Russia in the war against Ukraine came from North Korea.

He said this in an interview with Bloomberg.

According to him, North Korea has set up mass production of ammunition, which continues around the clock. In addition to artillery shells, the DPRK also supplies Russia with multiple launch rocket systems and ballistic missiles.

Pyongyang has thus become one of the main suppliers for the Russian army, allowing it to continue intensive combat operations on the front lines.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine believes that without North Korean supplies, the Russians would have long since experienced a critical shortage of ammunition, and their offensive capabilities would have been significantly reduced. According to Budanov, it is precisely the support from the DPRK that is currently one of the key factors enabling Russia to wage a protracted war.

In addition to military aid, Russia and North Korea have a strategic partnership agreement, signed in the summer of 2024. In exchange for ammunition, the Kremlin provides the DPRK with financial assistance, equipment, and support in overcoming international isolation.

For example, Militarnyi recently reported that Russia had transferred Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems to North Korea, which were used to protect the capital.

In return, Russia expects to replenish its army with North Korean citizens who will sign contracts with the Russian army under the guise of volunteers.

The DPRK is also actively sending various artillery systems to Russia, such as 170 mm Koksan self-propelled guns, which have been spotted on the front lines on numerous occasions.

In addition, Russia has armed one of its newly formed brigades with these North Korean artillery systems, indicating significant supplies.

Furthermore, the transfer of multiple launch rocket systems has been recorded, including 300 mm KN-09 MLRS, one of which was destroyed by the American HIMARS system.

The strike on the target was corrected by a drone from the 4th Special Purpose Regiment ‘Ranger.’ As for confirmation of this fact, a video showing the moment of destruction of an enemy system has appeared in the open access.