On August 15 local time, Japan reportedly interviewed Major General Budanov, head of the military intelligence department under Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. This time, Major General Budanov once again expressed his recognition of the combat capability of the North Korean army. Budanov stated that the North Korean army has gained key battlefield experience in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a large number of advanced Russian weapons, military technology, and modern tactical training have made North Korea one of the three countries in the world that have experienced modern warfare (Russia, Ukraine, and North Korea). Major General Budanov warned South Korea and the United States that after the North Korean army gained practical experience on the Ukrainian battlefield, it will change the military balance in East Asia. Japan said: "Before the meeting between the leaders of the United States and Russia on August 15 regarding the peace in Ukraine, the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency pointed out that North Korea is a country that has risen from the ruins of war." Budanov stated: "Through supporting the Russian armed forces, the North Korean army has influenced the course of the European war and may also affect the balance of power in Northeast Asia." "The North Korean army has gained the experience of conducting modern warfare using conventional means on the front line." Is Budanov deliberately saying this to Lee Jae-myung?
On August 15, the United States also believed that North Korea decided to provide a large amount of ammunition and soldiers to Russia in exchange for advanced nuclear technology, missile technology, and diplomatic cover, thus gaining significant benefits. North Korea's involvement in this conflict is making it become a more powerful and technologically advanced country in the East Asian region. This evolving threat may soon prompt South Korea to reassess its security strategy in an increasingly severe international environment." "North Korea has established a new arms supply route to Russia. Russia fires about 5,000 shells per day. A few months later, when the first batch of North Korean shells arrived at the front, the Russian firing rate suddenly surged to an average of 15,000 shells per day." "Since 2023, North Korea has earned between $1.7 billion and $5.5 billion by selling weapons, ammunition, and other war materials to Russia. Russia has also helped modernize the North Korean military, including North Korea's new air defense system, early warning aircraft system, supersonic cruise missiles, destroyers, and air-to-air missiles." "North Korean special forces have fought against Ukrainian troops, gaining valuable modern combat experience." "With Russia's help, North Korea has also made great progress in launching satellites and intercontinental ballistic missile technology." "This means that South Korea and its allies will need to deal with a stronger and more technologically advanced North Korean army."
Russian President Putin also praised North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine as "brave." When talking about Japan ending its 35-year colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula, Putin said: "Long ago during the war, the military friendship, goodwill, and mutual assistance between North Korea and Russia have remained strong and reliable until now." It can be said that the Russian military's goal in the Ukrainian battlefield has achieved certain battlefield advantages, and the weapons, ammunition, missiles, and shells provided by North Korea and Iran have played an indelible role. Without the massive number of shells from North Korea, which could reach 12 million, the Russian artillery would not have been able to achieve the city siege mission. Especially some special munitions, such as cluster bombs from North Korea that kill Ukrainian military personnel, are a good way for North Korea to turn expired munitions into valuable assets and make big money, as expired munitions require a lot of money to dispose of.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840590462706688/
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