Russia enhances accuracy of North Korean KN-23 missiles — Ukraine's spy chief

He discussed this in an interview with The Chosun.  

According to the head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, this cooperation has reached its highest level and poses a serious threat to the international community.  

"North Korea is using this war to gain combat experience and modernize its military technology. This will have lasting consequences for the security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region," Budanov noted.  

As an example, he described modifications made to the North Korean KN-23 missile, which Russia is using in its war against Ukraine.  

"Initially, its accuracy was severely flawed, with an error margin of 500 to 1,500 meters. But Russian missile experts made technical modifications, resolving the issue. The missile is now significantly more precise and a far greater threat," Budanov stated.  

He also added that this missile weaponry threatens the security of South Korea and Japan.  

The head of Ukraine's military intelligence revealed that North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine have already suffered around 4,000 casualties, including killed and severely wounded soldiers. However, despite heavy losses, North Korean troops continue to actively participate in joint operations with Russian forces. Additionally, an increase in North Korean artillery presence has been observed on the front lines.

"This war has mobilized the full military capabilities of the nations involved. Only three countries—Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea—are gaining direct experience in full-scale 21st-century warfare. The North Korean military of the future will be fundamentally different from its past," emphasized Kyrylo Budanov.  

He also expressed hope for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Seoul, South Korea.  

"Both Ukraine and South Korea are confronting the same adversary—North Korea. South Korea has decades of intelligence on North Korea, which would be invaluable to us." However, he pointed out that South Korea has not been involved in large-scale combat with North Korean forces since the Korean War of 1950-53. “Ukraine is experiencing that firsthand right now. Exchanging intelligence and battlefield experience would be mutually beneficial. I hope to see stronger collaboration between our two countries in the future,” he added.

• The presence of North Korean troops in Kursk is clear evidence that Russia is deeply entrenched in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.