Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov* told The Japan Times that, in his view, only three nations currently possess real-world experience in conducting modern large-scale warfare involving nearly all types of available weaponry — Russia, Ukraine, and North Korea.

Budanov* explained that these countries have engaged in conflicts on a broad front, using an extensive range of military capabilities. His comments follow a phone conversation earlier this year in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured Russian President Vladimir Putin of his support for Moscow’s actions in the context of the ongoing special military operation.

The involvement of North Korean troops in combat operations on Russian territory was officially confirmed for the first time on April 26. According to reports, DPRK forces operated in Russia’s Kursk region under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. Specifically, this cooperation fell under Article 4, which stipulates the immediate provision of military assistance in the event of an armed attack on either party.

*Listed in the Russian Federal Financial Monitoring Service’s register of terrorists and extremists.