Defense Express: North Korea now covers half of Russia’s ammunition demand

He stated on Espreso TV:  

"Yes, 50% is a significant figure, and it is linked to the expansion of military-technical cooperation between the two regimes – in Pyongyang and Moscow. Russia is using North Korea as an industrial base because it cannot keep up with the necessary pace of ammunition production. Moreover, North Korea is now an active supplier of strike systems, including the 170-mm long-range Koksan howitzers, which are unique in caliber and are produced exclusively in North Korea." 

Riabykh emphasized that this dependence extends to both ammunition supplies and military systems. According to Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, about 120 such systems have already been delivered, with another 120 planned for this year. Additionally, Pyongyang is supplying 240-mm multiple rocket launch systems and their specialized ammunition, which are becoming increasingly crucial as Ukrainian defense forces continue to destroy Russian artillery and MLRS systems.  

He concluded that Russia's defense industry is failing to meet the demands of its military, which is further increasing Moscow's reliance on Pyongyang.

• The head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korea and Russia are strengthening military cooperation in science, industry, and technology.