The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, believes that Russia would have lost the war long ago if it weren't for the support from North Korea. The Ukrainian military said this today, October 16, at a briefing, RBC-Ukraine reports, quoted by FOCUS.
"Russia would have lost this war long ago, and Ukraine, with the help of partners, would have returned all the occupied territories, if it were not for the Kremlin's support from Moscow's allies - primarily North Korea.“
Budanov held a meeting on Wednesday with representatives of the foreign military-diplomatic corps, at which they discussed, in particular, Russia's countermeasures.
The head of the GRU added that some countries "do not behave honestly at all". According to him, these countries, contrary to international sanctions, allow Russia to receive weapons, ammunition and critically important elements.
After the meeting, Budanov and the foreign representatives honored the memory of those who died in the war by laying flowers at the Memorial to Ukrainian Intelligence Officers.
North Korea supports the Kremlin's military machine during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The DPRK sent its troops to participate in military operations in the Kursk region, RBC-Ukraine recalls.
There have been repeated reports of the discovery on the territory of Ukraine of spare parts from the DPRK armed with Russian weapons, with which Russian troops attack daily.
It is also known about regular secret deliveries of weapons to the Russian Federation from North Korea. It was recently reported that Moscow may resume arms supplies from the DPRK after a two-month hiatus.
RBK-Ukraine previously reported that the Russians may have received over 12 million artillery shells from North Korea.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmygal spoke at the 31st meeting of the Contact Group on Ukrainian Defense Issues "Ramstein" in Brussels, reports Censor.NET, quoted by FOKUS.
In his speech to the partners, Shmygal focused on three key priorities vital for Ukraine.
"We thank everyone who joined. We also welcome the accession of new countries. The PURL Action Plan for 2025 must be fully implemented. We rely on constant coordination and funding to ensure timely deliveries,“ said the minister.
He noted that PURL needs in the coming year will range from $12 billion to $20 billion.
"FPV, ISR and other drones to support the front line. We continue to insist on the priority need of over $4 billion. In 2026, we will be able to produce up to 10 million drones if partners provide the necessary funding. Our drones and deep-range missiles help us respond asymmetrically to Russian strikes,” Shmygal stressed.
Shmygal stressed that Ukraine also needs more long-range artillery shells.
"We welcome the initiative for joint purchase of artillery ammunition and call for focusing efforts on the supply of long-range ammunition", he added.
At least one person was killed and two were injured in an attack in the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlovka, Moscow-appointed Russian occupation authorities announced last night, quoted by DPA and BTA.
Ukraine carried out the attacks with missile launchers and drones, Denis Pushilin wrote on „Telegram“ leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, backed by Russia.
He said four residential buildings, a school and a water supply facility had been damaged.
More than 70% of Donetsk region is under Russian control.
Two people were also injured in a Russian drone attack in the northeastern Chernihiv region, local authorities said.
Regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus said on Telegram that a post office, two residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure had been hit in the attack on the town of Nezhin.
In a post on Facebook The mayor of Nezhin, Oleksandr Kodola, urged citizens to stock up on water and charge their phones and portable batteries due to attacks on critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three and a half years. Including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, annexed in 2014, almost a fifth of Ukraine's territory is under Russian control.