North Korea's expanding military aid strengthens Russia's arsenal
The report from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) reveals that the world did not anticipate the extent of support provided to Russia. The collected data indicates that North Korea has already delivered over 9 million rounds of ammunition and substantial heavy military equipment to Putin's army.
Earlier data, disclosed by Ukrainian intelligence among others, suggested a supply scale of about 6 million rounds of ammunition. The findings of MSMT, an international team monitoring sanctions against North Korea established in October 2024, offer new insights into the cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Massive support from North Korea for Russia
According to the MSMT report, cargo ships flying the Russian flag delivered approximately 9 million rounds of ammunition to the country. It is estimated that these primarily consisted of artillery shells, ranging from 4.8 to 5.8 million rounds of 122mm and 152mm calibre shells.
This type of support is invaluable for Russia. Artillery, although considered obsolete by some, proves to be crucial in the war being waged in Ukraine (alongside drones). The artillery systems used by Putin's army, such as the 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S5 Hyacinth, and 2S19 Msta, use 122mm and 152mm calibre shells. Reuters reported earlier this year that Russian troops fighting in Ukraine are now almost entirely reliant on artillery ammunition supplies from Pyongyang.
Not only ammunition, but also military equipment
The remaining portion of the 9 million rounds mainly consists of rockets for multiple launch rocket systems, 81mm mortar shells, and anti-tank missiles. Additionally, according to the MSMT report, the Russian army also received about 100 ballistic missiles, enabling it to intensify missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including targeted strikes on critical civilian infrastructure. Reports from Ukrainians finding debris suggest that these are likely KN-23 missiles, with a range of approximately 600 kilometres.
Regarding the heavy military equipment transferred to Russia by the ally, MSMT highlighted multiple rocket launch systems with a 240mm diameter and long-range self-propelled artillery of 170mm calibre, namely the Koksan M-1989 and Koksan M-1978 guns.
The MSMT report also includes information about approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers who reached the Kursk region in Russia, along with a note that North Korea is supplying not only old stock but also new missiles, which have been produced taking into account experiences from Ukraine.
"At least for the foreseeable future, North Korea and Russia intend to continue and further deepen their military cooperation in contravention of relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions," reads the MSMT report.
