Zelensky says Russia may have shared jet-drone technology with North Korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he believed Russia may have shared technology for jet-powered drones with North Korea. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Zelensky was asked whether Moscow had transferred technology behind its latest generation of jet drones to its long-standing ally. He replied that Russia was sharing technologies with North Korea, while saying he was less certain about specific ballistic systems.

His comments came after Russia sharply increased its use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine. The source material says Ukraine currently has no effective way to counter the weapons other than using combat aircraft. North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and ballistic missiles, which Moscow regularly uses in attacks on Ukrainian cities, according to the report.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have also been sent to Russia to gain combat experience in the war. South Korea and Western countries have previously expressed concern that Pyongyang could receive help from Moscow with weapons development in return for its military assistance to Russia. Zelensky’s remarks also touched on a dispute between Kyiv and Seoul over two North Korean prisoners of war captured while fighting for Russia.

He said Ukraine transferred the prisoners to South Korea after Seoul requested them, adding that North Korea’s constitution considers them its citizens. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had threatened unspecified measures against Ukraine unless Kyiv acknowledged a confidentiality agreement that Seoul says covered the transfer and issued an apology. Zelensky’s comments did not refer directly to Lee’s statement.