Kyrillo Budanov says the fighting escalates with each Pyongyang delivery, and notes that Russia has ramped up its production of guided bombs.
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service GUR, says that North Korea’s intensive assistance to Russia during the war against Ukraine creates major problems for Kiev.
“[Os norte-coreanos] Budanov, quoted by Reuters during the Yalta European Strategic Conference organized by the Viktor Pinchuk Foundation, is providing Russia with basic large-scale artillery munitions.
The head of Ukrainian military intelligence says the fighting escalates after each handover from Pyongyang, and notes that Russia has ramped up its production of guided bombs, an added strain on Kiev.
“It’s a big problem on the front line,” he says.
Ukraine’s energy system has also been heavily targeted in recent months, which Budanov attributes to the production and “massive use” of Iskander missiles.
But it’s not all bad: Budanov notes that Russia may face a recruitment crisis in the coming months.
“During this period (summer 2025), the Russians will face a dilemma: declare demobilization or somehow reduce the intensity of hostilities, which will become critical for them,” he predicted.