Global attention is focused on claims that a significant portion of the ammunition used by the Russian military in the Russia-Ukraine war is of North Korean origin. The head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency stated that North Korea has emerged as a major arms supplier to Russia, significantly influencing the war.

On July 11 (local time), Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate, revealed in an interview with Bloomberg that approximately 40% of the ammunition used by the Russian military is North Korean-made. He added, "North Korea has enormous stockpiles of weapons and production is running around the clock." Budanov stated that North Korea is supplying not only ammunition but also various types of weapons to Russia, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems, and assessed them as "good weapons." He particularly emphasized that about 60% of the losses suffered by the Ukrainian army in the past three months were due to shelling using North Korean-made weapons, suggesting the alarming level of threat posed by North Korean armaments.

These claims were not merely statements. On the same day, the Ukrainian military again released videos showing the destruction of North Korean-made weapons deployed on the front lines, providing evidence of their actual use. The video, released via the Ukrainian military's Telegram channel, showed a North Korean 'Type 75 Multiple Rocket Launcher' concealed in bushes in the Kupyansk region of eastern Ukraine being destroyed by a drone attack. The Ukrainian military stated that the 'Bureviy (Typhoon) 1st Presidential Brigade' carried out this attack, mocking, "North Korea could not withstand the reality of the front line."

Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has intensified since the signing of the 'Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' last year. This treaty is known to include mutual military assistance, and Western countries analyze that North Korea's military aid is one of the key foundations enabling Russia to continue its invasion of Ukraine.

However, Bloomberg reported that it could not directly verify the veracity of Budanov's remarks, mentioning the need for cross-verification of his claims. Nevertheless, the continuous testimonies and video releases by the Ukrainian side are interpreted as strong signals that North Korean weapons are indeed being used on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Western Concerns and International Controversy 

North Korea's supply of weapons to Russia violates United Nations Security Council resolutions. North Korea is under severe international sanctions due to its nuclear and missile development, and arms trade is also prohibited. Therefore, Russia's use of North Korean weapons is an act that disregards international norms, drawing strong condemnation from the UN and the international community.

Major Western countries, including the United States, South Korea, and Japan, have consistently warned against North Korea's arms transfers to Russia and urged strong sanctions. South Korea and the United States, in particular, believe that North Korea's weapon transfers not only affect security on the Korean Peninsula but also threaten the international non-proliferation regime. Some have even raised the possibility of Russia transferring nuclear and missile technology to North Korea in exchange for weapons, fueling growing concerns that this could pose a severe threat to security in Northeast Asia and globally.

The recent statement by the head of Ukraine's intelligence agency clearly demonstrates that Russia is deepening its military cooperation with North Korea despite international sanctions and condemnation to sustain the war in Ukraine. This is expected to create complex repercussions for the protracted Ukraine war and international affairs. Attention is now focused on what additional measures the international community will take in response to the actions of North Korea and Russia.

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