**Ukrainian Drone Strikes Deepen Russia’s Ammunition Crisis, Kill North Korean Officers**

Ukraine's precision drone strikes have exacerbated Russia's ammunition crisis by targeting key depots, according to Estonian intelligence. These attacks have not only resulted in significant material losses but have also led to the deaths of six North Korean officers stationed with Russian troops.

Colonel Ants Kiviselg, the head of the Estonian Defense Forces' Intelligence Center, highlighted that Ukrainian forces are continually extending their reach into Russian territory. One notable strike occurred on 7 September 2024 in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, where the targeted ammunition depot was met with fierce explosions. This strike is among a series of drone attacks that showcase Ukraine's growing long-range capabilities.

Recently, Ukrainian forces have focused on artillery ammunition depots, with one such attack in the settlement of Karachev in the Bryansk region destroying munitions sourced from North Korea. This depot marks the fourth artillery ammunition storage site destroyed by Ukrainian drones. The repeated targeting of these depots indicates a strategy aimed at worsening Russia's already critical munitions shortage.

Kiviselg also pointed out a particularly damaging strike on 3 October, which resulted in the deaths of six North Korean officers in a combat zone where they were stationed alongside Russian forces. Reports circulating on Russian social media suggest the potential deployment of more North Korean units to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials, however, indicate that these North Korean soldiers are primarily involved in logistical roles, overseeing the quality and usage of ammunition deliveries.

The dependence on North Korean supplies underscores the extent of Russia's challenges. Earlier, Estonian intelligence had reported a significant loss of approximately 750,000 artillery shells due to a Ukrainian drone strike on a storage facility in Toropets, Tver Oblast, on 18 September. This loss, equivalent to a two to three-month supply for Russian forces, highlights the growing pressure on Russia's logistical capabilities as the conflict persists.

As these strategic strikes by Ukrainian forces continue, the strain on Russia's ammunition reserves is likely to intensify, posing further challenges for its military operations.