Russia is reportedly facilitating North Korea’s efforts to produce Iranian-made Shahed drones within its own territory. The Shahed-136, notorious for its use in Ukraine, is a loitering munition capable of precise attacks on infrastructure and personnel. Moscow sees this partnership as a way to extend its influence and offset Western pressure.
Ukraine’s top defense intelligence official, Kyrylo Budanov, expressed concern that this deal would bring destabilizing capabilities to East Asia. He emphasized that allowing North Korea access to such advanced technologies could undermine regional arms control efforts and provoke preemptive defensive measures by South Korea and its allies.
The relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow has rapidly evolved from arms trading to strategic collaboration. In exchange for supporting North Korean drone programs, Russia is receiving crucial wartime resources—potentially including ammunition, satellite data, and even volunteer forces. Analysts warn this mutual arrangement could reshape military dynamics in both Europe and Asia.
