Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s chief of military intelligence, told The Economist that Russia helps Pyongyang avoid sanctions and develop nuclear capabilities in exchange for North Korean troops.
Budanov revealed previously that close to 11,000 North Korean soldiers are already in Russia, and will be ready for battle by Nov. 1.
The move would indicate a deeper military cooperation between Moscow, Pyongyang and North Korea. North Korea has already provided Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles to fight Ukraine.
Budanov said that Russia’s support for nuclear capabilities includes technologies for smaller tactical weapons and submarine missile-launch system, Budanov claimed.
North Korea faces severe economic restrictions due to its nuclear program, and evading sanctions can be crucial. Russia has blocked the renewal a U.N. program that oversees Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development.
The Ukrainian spy chief told The Economist that the military personnel sent by Ukraine to Russia included 500 officers, three generals. A contingent of 2,600 soldiers should arrive soon in Kursk Oblast – a Russian border area that is partially controlled by Ukraine.
Budanov stated that North Korean troops were currently being trained in Khabarovsk Krai, in Russia’s Far East.
According to him Pyongyang also supplied Russia with an unspecified amount of ballistic missiles and 2.8 million artillery rounds, which were serviced by North Korean crews.
Kyiv, Seoul and other Western officials have not confirmed the reports that North Korea is transferring personnel to Russia.
North Korea has denied these reports, and a Kremlin spokeswoman gave a vague answer.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies, including the United States and Canada, to exert pressure on North Korea. He also called for a “concrete” response to North Korea’s increasing military support for Russia’s full scale war.
Zelensky, citing military intelligence, said that two brigades from North Korea, each with up to 6,000 soldiers, are currently being trained in Russia. He also said the impoverished North Korea receives financial support for its military assistance.
Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of military intelligence, claimed that Russia’s support for nuclear capabilities includes technologies for smaller tactical weapons and submarine missile launch systems.
The Air Force reported that Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 57 of 81 Shahed type drones launched overnight. The Air Force reported that 15 drones were destroyed, and nine others are still in the Ukrainian airspace as of publication.
“This is the wrong choice and does not advance peace.” The U.N. will only be damaged by this decision, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Jeffrey Pyatt said that the Biden administration will continue to tighten up the screws on Russia’s LNG imports.
This includes 1,460 casualties that Russian forces have suffered in the last day.
A U.S. intelligence officer said on October 22 that viral attacks against Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz were linked to Russian disinformation groups.
The Financial Times (FT), reported on October 22 that Turkey had quietly blocked the export to Russia of military goods of U.S. origin following a warning by Washington.
Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish Foreign Minister, said on October 22 that “Russia is waging an hybrid war.” “It is trying to sabotage Polish territory.”
According to the U.N. Population Fund, Ukraine has the lowest birth rate in Europe, and the number refugees has risen to 6.7 millions. The full-scale invasion scheduled for 2022 will only exacerbate the already severe decline.
Zelensky, citing military intelligence, said that two brigades from North Korea, each with up to 6,000 soldiers, are currently being trained in Russia. “We expect the world to respond with a firm and concrete response.”
Kyrylo Budanov, the military intelligence chief, said that he was waiting for the first units to arrive tomorrow in the direction of Kursk. He did not specify the number of units.
The leaders discussed Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, the BRICS agenda and bilateral relations. Putin said that Russia hoped to increase cooperation between China and Russia on “all international platforms”.
“I was not going to do that.” I wasn’t going to replace Budanov. Yes, this information was circulated. Zelensky told journalists that there was no question about Umerov.
In accordance with the decree, within three months, working groups are to be formed to verify disability certificates issued by medical examination commissions. If there are any violations, the certificates will be revoked.
A government official from South Korea claimed North Korea sent fighter pilots in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East.
“I am grateful for the trust of the President of Ukraine and Verkhovna Rada. In this situation, however, I think it’s right for me resign as prosecutor general,” said he.
According to the draft prepared this year by Italy, the G7 leaders will release a joint declaration in October stating that “Russian sovereign assets will remain unmobilized until Russia ceases its aggression and pays the damages it has caused Ukraine.”
Zelensky, in a conversation with journalists, did not exclude the possibility that “some partners” might consider Ukraine’s NATO membership in exchange for occupied territories. “We don’t discuss this,” he said.
Zelensky, who was speaking at a Kyiv Independent-sponsored meeting, was asked about Pyongyang’s growing support for Moscow. In recent days, it is reported that the support has gone from weapons to boots on ground.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, said that Washington also plans to provide $800 millions as a first tranche for the manufacture of Ukrainian drones.
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