Ukraine’s DIA chief: only Ukraine, Russia, N. Korea gaining experience in full-scale 21st century warfare

According to Ukrinform, this statement was made by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), as reported by HUR.

In an interview with the South Korean newspaper The Chosun, Budanov said that North Korean forces in the war against Ukraine have suffered approximately 4,000 casualties, including both killed and severely wounded soldiers. Despite these heavy losses, North Korean troops continue to actively participate in joint operations with Russian forces.

Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of North Korean artillery units observed on the front lines.

“This war has mobilized all military capabilities of the involved nations. Only three countries — Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea — are gaining firsthand experience in full-scale warfare in the 21st century. The future North Korean army will be drastically different from what it was in the past,” Budanov emphasized.

He highlighted that Russia and North Korea are deepening military cooperation in technology, science, and industry.

“This cooperation has reached its highest level and poses a serious threat to the international community,” Budanov stated.

According to him, North Korea is using this war to gain combat experience and modernize its military technology, which will have long-term consequences for security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Budanov also pointed out modifications made to the North Korean KN-23 missile, noting that its initial accuracy was poor, with an error margin of 500 to 1,500 meters. However, after technical adjustments by Russian specialists, the missile has become significantly more precise and now represents a much greater threat.

He added that this missile capability endangers the security of both South Korea and Japan.

“Ukraine and South Korea are facing the same enemy — North Korea. South Korea has decades of intelligence data on North Korea, which would be extremely valuable to us. Meanwhile, Ukraine is gaining combat experience firsthand on the battlefield. Sharing this experience and intelligence would be mutually beneficial,” Budanov stated.

As Ukrinform previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that up to 3,500 additional North Korean troops will be deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.