Ukraine's Intelligence Chief Warns: Russia Is Fueling North Korea's Military Surge

News Summary

In a June 7 interview with The War Zone, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), revealed that Russia is helping North Korea develop long-range kamikaze drones and enhance the accuracy of its KN-23 ballistic missiles.

Moscow is also assisting Pyongyang in producing Shahed-type drones and advancing its submarine-based nuclear capabilities.

Budanov says this cooperation could shift the military balance on the Korean Peninsula, enabling North Korea to launch large-scale drone attacks on South Korea and potentially supply drones back to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Commentary

This intelligence revelation is critical and should command the full attention of South Korea and its allies. It offers a rare glimpse into Kim Jong Un’s true intentions on the Korean Peninsula—intentions that are increasingly shaped by deepening military cooperation with Russia.

As Lt. Gen. Budanov rightly warns, North Korea’s rapid military buildup, fueled by Russian technology transfers, could significantly alter the regional military balance to the South’s detriment. This is not merely about strengthening defense; it is a strategic push to gain leverage over the South.

Kim understands that the current two-state status quo is unsustainable in the long run. The influx of South Korean culture and information has already begun to shift North Korean mindsets, weakening the regime's ideological grip. This is why he severed all inter-Korean ties and declared the South an enemy state—he knows time is not on his side.

It would be a grave mistake to view North Korea’s current military modernization as defensive. It is, in essence, a preparation for future offensive operations. Under a new South Korean administration that favors engagement, failing to respond to this threat decisively could prove disastrous.