SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Ukraine has accused North Korea of supplying a significant portion of the ammunition used by Russian forces on the front lines of the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Sunday at a press conference in Kyiv that “50 percent of the ammunition” used by Russian forces on the front lines comes from North Korea. He further explained that Pyongyang is also providing the Kremlin with large quantities of 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple rocket launch systems.
The press conference took place just before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, during which top Ukrainian officials provided updates on military operations and ongoing international partnerships.
Regarding ceasefire negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said that independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are non-negotiable for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly seeking a stake in Ukraine’s rare earth mineral development as part of ongoing military aid discussions. In return, Ukraine has emphasized the need for firm security guarantees.
On the eve of the war’s third anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of escalating hostilities as Russia launched an unprecedented drone assault.
"Every day, our people stand against aerial terror. On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on social media. "The largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages."
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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