"Russia Supporting Modernization of North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Delivery Systems," Claims Ukrainian Intelligence Chief

Russia Is Modernizing North Korea's Nuclear Delivery Systems
"Will Not Support Iran's Nuclear Weapons Development"

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate. Photo captured from Facebook

The head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Agency has claimed that Russia is supporting the modernization of North Korea's nuclear weapons delivery systems.

On August 5 (local time), according to Ukrainian news agency Interfax, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Agency, made this statement while explaining the relationships among Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

Budanov stated, "The situation regarding North Korea is quite difficult. First of all, North Korea already possesses nuclear weapons," and added, "Russia is helping to modernize the carriers for these nuclear weapons. This is actually happening."

On the other hand, he predicted that Russia would not support Iran's nuclear weapons development program. He said, "Russia will not directly transfer technology to Iran that would accelerate its nuclear weapons development. I can state this clearly."

Since Russia's international isolation following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, it has strengthened cooperation with anti-Western countries such as North Korea and Iran. In particular, North Korea has been providing troops, artillery shells, and missiles to help Russia sustain its war in Ukraine.

Western intelligence agencies have assessed that there is a high possibility North Korea will receive Russian military technology in exchange for its military support. Budanov also analyzed in an interview with a domestic media outlet last month that North Korea is significantly strengthening its military capabilities through cooperation with Russia.