Supply of 170mm Self-Propelled Howitzers and 240mm Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems
"Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Subject to Compromise"
There are claims that North Korea is supplying half of the ammunition used by Russia in the Ukraine war.
On the 23rd (local time), according to Reuters and AFP, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, stated at a press conference held that day that North Korea provides 50% of the ammunition demand at the Russian frontline.
Budanov also claimed that North Korea has begun supplying large quantities of 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple rocket launcher systems to Russia. In addition to weapons support, North Korea deployed as many as 11,000 troops to the Ukraine war front last year.
Ukraine held a press conference involving senior officials a day before the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Regarding the ceasefire negotiations initiated under the leadership of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, emphasized that Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are non-negotiable. This is interpreted as expressing discomfort toward the U.S. and Russia conducting ceasefire talks excluding Ukraine, the party to the war.
Regarding rare earth negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine, he said, "They are proceeding normally, no one has refused anything, and normal work procedures are being followed."
Previously, the Donald Trump administration reportedly demanded about a 50% stake in rare earth minerals in Ukraine in exchange for military support. Rare earths are essential strategic resources for the defense industry, including semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, fighter jets, missiles, and radar.
However, on the 21st, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media, "The most important thing is to correct the details so that the mineral agreement can truly work," suggesting disagreements over the agreement. President Zelensky has shown a stance that he cannot accept the U.S. pressure for joint development of rare earths without firm security guarantees.
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