North Korea Supplies 50% of Russia’s Ammunition, Says Intelligence Chief Budanov

According to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), North Korea is providing approximately 50% of the ammunition used by Russian forces in the ongoing war against Ukraine.

Speaking at the “Ukraine: Year 2025” forum, Budanov emphasized that Russia’s growing reliance on North Korean supplies has become a significant factor in sustaining its military operations.

Budanov stated that while Russia continues to increase its domestic production of ammunition, its cooperation with North Korea plays a critical role in meeting battlefield demands.

“It is impossible not to mention their strategic ally, North Korea, which covers 50% of all ammunition expenditures at the front. Half of the ammunition used by Russian forces consists of North Korean supplies,” Budanov said.

He further noted that North Korea has begun large-scale deliveries of weaponry to Russia, including 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).

According to Budanov, North Korea’s involvement extends beyond ammunition supplies. He reported that Pyongyang plans to deliver an additional 148 KN-23 missiles to Russia this year.

Additionally, he highlighted North Korean troop losses in the war. “It is a known fact that North Korean military personnel have been deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. North Korea is actively participating in the war in support of Russia. Their forces have already suffered approximately 4,000 casualties, including killed and wounded,” he said.

Commenting on Russia’s domestic arms production, Budanov noted that while Moscow is ramping up the production of ammunition and drone technology, the overall pace of manufacturing for key weapon systems has either remained unchanged or declined.

“In terms of major weapons production, the rates have remained the same as last year or have slightly decreased. However, when it comes to ammunition—particularly guided aerial bombs—and drone production, Russia is making significant strides forward,” Budanov explained.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces destroyed a North Korean M-1978 “Koksan” self-propelled artillery system in combat for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to OSUV Khortytsia, fighters from the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Nemesis” targeted the rare artillery piece in Luhansk region on February 18.