North Korea has consistently supplied millions of artillery shells and various munitions to Russia since the onset of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, according to military data provided to a South Korean lawmaker.
The South Korean Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), responding to an inquiry by lawmaker Kang Daeshik, revealed that Pyongyang has dispatched over 28,000 containers filled with artillery rounds and other weaponry. When converted to 152-millimeter shells, these shipments are estimated to amount to more than 12 million rounds.
“North Korea continues to provide weapons to Russia,” the DIA stated, adding that the South Korean military is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with international allies.
Since the war began in February 2022, North Korea’s involvement has reportedly grown to include not just artillery shells, but also missiles, self-propelled guns, and even military personnel. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov told Bloomberg News that North Korea may now be supplying up to 40% of Russia’s ammunition requirements.
Budanov also noted that North Korea is sending high-capability weapons such as ballistic missiles and artillery systems, calling them “good weapons” in terms of functionality and effectiveness.
Further strengthening this alliance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently visited Pyongyang, where North Korea reaffirmed its “clear support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine and for the Kremlin’s leadership. In return, Russia is believed to be supplying North Korea with financial resources and technological assistance, easing the country’s international isolation, Budanov added.
