Russia is fighting in Ukraine thanks to secret international logistics. North Korea arms Russia and receives classified technologies in return. According to analysis, about 70% of the ammunition used by Russia in the war against Ukraine is manufactured in North Korea, Japanese outlet Kyodo News reports. 

Since the start of the all-out war in 2022, Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with about 6.5 million munitions in exchange for Russian military technologies to produce its own weapons.

The documents received by the journalists also indicate the transfer of air defense technologies, space developments, and $20 billion in aid, including nuclear technologies, to North Korea.

China supplies electronic components for tanks and missiles through sanctions circumvention

The documents show that approximately 90% of electronic components for Russia's defense, including semiconductors, originate from China.

In return, Moscow supplies China with energy resources, rare metals, and dual-use goods for both civilian and military purposes, including components for aircraft and submarine production.

Iran assists Russia with drones and explosives, and receives air defense systems

Additionally, Iran has provided Russia with about 2,200 drones and technologies for producing explosives. In exchange, Tehran received air defense systems and radars from Moscow, deepening military cooperation in the region.

Ukrainian defense experts emphasize that the logistics network from North Korea, China, and Iran supports Russia’s war, highlighting the need to isolate Moscow through Western sanctions.

In the skilled hands of Ukrainian soldiers, an old body armor becomes a combat marvel. The Pansarbandvagn 301 is a Swedish armored personnel carrier developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite its venerable age, this vehicle continues to perform combat missions. Now, as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, specifically within the 39th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade.

The Swedish PBV-301 in the 39th brigade turns logistics into survival on the front

The brigade reports that the PBV is used for logistical support in the unit’s area of responsibility.

“This armored vehicle supplies ammunition and food, transports and retrieves fighters from positions, and evacuates the wounded,” the soldiers say.

The brigade notes that the vehicle is “not bad, and in skilled hands it is even capable of small miracles.”

From ammunition runs to casualty evacuation

According to the troops, the main effectiveness of the PBV-301 depends on the training of the mechanic-driver. For this reason, practical training sessions are regularly held under the guidance of experienced instructors.

“Such exercises allow drivers to practice driving on difficult sections of terrain and to become accustomed to the physical and psychological stresses,” the instructor says.

Training under fire: how instructors temper PBV mechanic-drivers so they can run routes that don’t work the first time

He emphasized that completing combat missions requires considerable endurance and strength of spirit from the driver.

“There are routes you can do on the first try, and there are ones you have to ‘run’ several times. We train, provide guidance, and offer assistance. Because there is no better motivation than a well-prepared crew,” he explains.

A Ukrainian defense firm has started producing NATO-standard shells for Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks, using Czech documentation and components. The company, now producing only under 5,000 shells monthly, says it aims to double production capacity and eventually localize up to 80% of manufacturing.

Ukraine begins production of NATO-standard shells for Abrams and Leopard 2

Ukrainian Armor has launched full-scale production of 120 mm ammunition for Western main battle tanks Abrams and Leopard 2, the company told Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi. The company said the production was made possible after receiving technological documentation and a license from the Czech-based Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which also supplies key components such as propellant charges, detonators, and initiators.

According to CSG, they do not own any facilities or production technology in Ukraine, but benefit from the project via licensing fees and by supplying critical elements.

“We are proud to be one of the first Western companies to successfully transfer large-caliber ammunition production to Ukraine,” said David Chour, Deputy Chairman of the Board at CSG.

Ukrainian Armor manufactures the projectile bodies locally, handles the filling and final assembly, and conducts testing. The company confirmed that the plant was completed in early 2025 and production began almost immediately.

CSG has developed its own line of 120 mm tank shells compatible with Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks, which use NATO-standard smoothbore guns such as the Rheinmetall L/44 and L/55. The Ukrainian plant currently has the capacity to produce 4,800 of these 120 mm shells per month.

Artillery shells

In its first year of cooperation with CSG, Ukrainian Armor says it plans to produce up to 100,000 artillery rounds of 155 mm caliber and 50,000 rounds of 105 mm caliber. In the future, it aims to double these figures and ultimately reach 300,000 shells per year, according to Militarnyi.

In addition to NATO-standard shells, the Ukrainian company continues producing Soviet-standard 152 mm and 122 mm rounds in parallel.

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Ukraine reportedly struck a Russian ammunition depot in the town of Khartsyzk in occupied Donetsk Oblast on July 2, Russian Telegram channels reported.

Videos posted on social media purportedly show massive explosions near the reported ammunition depot, located just east of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk.

The Kyiv Independent cannot immediately verify the reports.

Ukraine's military has not commented on the reported attack. No information was immediately available as to the extent of the damage caused.

Ukraine's military regularly strikes military targets in Russian-occupied territories and deep within Russia in an attempt to diminish Moscow's fighting power as it continues its war against Ukraine.

On the evening of June 30, Ukraine similarly struck a command post of the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Armed Forces in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk Oblast.

Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat.

Ukraine war latest: As Russia ramps up missile attacks, US halts promised air defense shipments to Ukraine

Key developments on July 2: * As Russia ramps up missile attacks, US halts promised air defense shipments to Ukraine * North Korea to send up to 30,000 more troops to aid Russia’s war against Ukraine, CNN reports * Ukraine denies another Russian claim of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast breakthrough, says small incursion repelled

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Lithuania has signed a memorandum with American defense firm Northrop Grumman and Norwegian Nammo to secure the production of ammunition amid Russia's war against Ukraine, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on June 24.

"By strengthening our national defense industry, we are investing in both technological capabilities and Lithuania’s resilience to crises. This Memorandum of Understanding will allow us to better equip our armed forces and help Lithuania become an important link in international supply chains," Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defense Loreta Maskalioviene said.

"The investment and expertise of our allies... will significantly contribute to strengthening of the national defense industry and security not only in Lithuania, but also in the entire region, including Ukraine. The development of the defense industry and investment in production must come without delay," Lithuanian Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius said.

Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has sparked concern in Europe that Russia could attack NATO's eastern flank, including Poland, the Baltic countries, and Finland.

Ukrainian intelligence has evidence that Russia is preparing new military operations in Europe, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 22.

The partnership will be implemented at the state-owned Giraite Armament Factory, the announcement said, adding that the factory is set to be integrated into Northrop Grumman’s international supply chains.

Northrop Grumman will supply ammunition produced in the Lithuanian defense factory to the international market.

Nammo, as a subcontractor, will provide Northrop Grumman with the 35 mm ammunition production technology.

"It will enhance national strategic autonomy in defense and deepen partnerships with NATO allies, the United States, and Norway. The planned production of ammunition is of critical importance to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, our allies, and Ukraine," Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said.

The memorandum will initiate negotiations for the production of medium caliber ammunition, ranging in size from 20-50 mm.

The Giraite Armament Factory will be provided with 35 mm ammunition production technology from the two defense firms, the announcement said.

Sakaliene noted that the new partnership will ensure an uninterrupted supply of ammunition to Lithuania's Armed Forces.

NATO is holding a summit in The Hague from June 24-25 with world leaders, including Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump present.

The White House has confirmed that Trump and Zelensky will hold a meeting at the NATO summit.

‘Like any technology, it’s a race’ — UK’s largest ammo maker rebooting chemistry to break NATO’s dependence on explosive imports

Russia’s war in Ukraine has drained Western ammunition stocks. Despite years of claimed weapons ramp-ups, NATO’s arms manufacturing is still not refilling those stocks apace, let alone making it to Ukraine in needed mass. The West has come to recognize that these shortages are due to the offshoring

The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post