Zelenskyy claims Putin shared jet-drone technology with North Korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that Russia may have shared jet-powered drone technology with North Korea, raising concerns about increasing military cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy responded directly when asked about the possibility of Russia sharing its latest jet-drone technology with North Korea, confirming "Yes, of course" and adding that North Korea had likely assisted Russia with missiles.

This comes as Russia has intensified its offensive in Ukraine, with a recent drone strike on the Pivnichnyi Bridge in Kyiv and warnings of further aggressive strikes against Ukrainian military and industrial targets. Zelenskyy noted that Russia and North Korea have expanded weapons cooperation during the full-scale war, with North Korea providing Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, as well as deploying thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces.

Additionally, Russia has increased its use of jet-powered drones like the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which can reach speeds of up to 500 and 600 kilometers per hour, respectively, making them harder to intercept. Ukraine has expressed concern over the increased deployment of such advanced drones, which have reportedly accounted for around two-thirds of all drones launched in recent attacks on Kyiv.

Zelenskyy revealed that Russia planned to spend $12 billion next year on producing jet-powered drones and loitering munitions, raising further questions about potential weapons assistance from North Korea in exchange for Russian military support.