Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that he believes Russia has shared jet-drone technology with North Korea. This assertion follows a notable increase in Russia’s use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine, which currently lacks effective countermeasures aside from its combat aircraft.
“Yes, of course,” Zelenskiy replied when asked about the possibility of Russia imparting technology related to its latest generation of jet drones to North Korea. He added, “They [Russia] are sharing with North Korea all the technologies. I don’t know about the ballistic and etc., but I think, yes, because North Korea helped them with missiles.”
Russia has previously relied on North Korea for military support. In the earlier phases of the ongoing conflict, North Korea provided millions of artillery shells and is now also supplying ballistic missiles used by Russia in strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Concerns regarding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea have been raised by South Korea and Western nations. They suggest that Pyongyang may be receiving assistance with its weapon development in exchange for military support to Moscow.
Thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been sent to Russia to gain combat experience in the conflict. Tensions between Ukraine and South Korea have escalated following Zelenskiy’s announcement at the United Nations General Assembly last month, which indicated the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war, captured while fighting for Russia, to South Korea.
In response to the transfer, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung threatened unspecified actions against Ukraine unless Kyiv acknowledged a confidentiality agreement related to the transfer and issued a formal apology. Zelenskiy addressed the situation by stating, “South Korea asked us to give them North Korean soldiers. By the way, according to their constitution, they are their citizens … so we gave them these two guys,” without referencing Lee’s threats.
The situation remains complex as diplomatic strains continue to develop between Ukraine and South Korea amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the evolving military collaboration resembling a new alignment among Russia, North Korea, and potentially, the implications for their adversaries.
