North Korea's surging arms supply fuels Russia's war machine
Ukrainian military intelligence reveals that North Korea has supplied Russia with 6 million rounds of ammunition, 150 missiles, and 370 artillery pieces since mid-2023.
New data published by Ukrainian military intelligence show the scale of North Korea's military support for Russia. From June 2023 to April 2025, Russia received 6 million rounds of ammunition, 150 missiles, and 370 artillery pieces from North Korea.
North Korean military and economic support
According to Defence Express, in addition to delivering military equipment, North Korean special forces are actively engaged in combat operations in the Kursk region of Russia. This is a rare situation where North Korean troops are involved outside the Korean Peninsula, highlighting Pyongyang's increasing engagement in Moscow's military actions.
North Korean workers in Russia
Russia, facing a shortage of low-skilled labour, is also recruiting North Korean workers for civilian sectors such as construction and the defence industry. This process is supported by state programmes, raising concerns about forced labour practices and the exploitation of North Korean citizens abroad.
According to information provided by British intelligence, by March 2025, North Korean armed forces suffered over 5,000 casualties due to offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. These losses account for almost half of the approximately 11,000 soldiers initially deployed in the area.
Collaboration of authoritarian regimes
The scale and diversity of North Korea's aid to Russia highlight a strategic partnership that goes beyond symbolic support. The joint military and economic activities of both regimes complicate international efforts to isolate Moscow and Pyongyang.
