North Korea arms boost fuels Russia's artillery reliance
The report from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) reveals that the world did not anticipate the extensive level of support being provided to Russia. The collected data indicates that North Korea has already delivered over 9 million rounds of ammunition and a significant amount of heavy military equipment to Putin's army.
Earlier information, revealed by Ukrainian intelligence and other sources, suggested a supply scale of about 6 million rounds of ammunition. The findings of the MSMT—an international team monitoring sanctions against North Korea, established in October 2024—provide new insight 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 as many as 9 million rounds of ammunition to the country. It is estimated that these shipments consisted mainly of artillery shells, ranging from 4.2 to 5.8 million rounds of 4.8-inch and 6-inch caliber shells.
This support is invaluable for Russia. Artillery, although considered outdated by some, remains crucial in the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside drones. The artillery systems used by Putin's army—such as the 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S5 Hyacinth, and 2S19 Msta—utilize 4.8-inch and 6-inch caliber shells. Reuters reported earlier this year that Russian troops in Ukraine are now almost entirely reliant on artillery ammunition supplies from Pyongyang.
Not only ammunition, but also military equipment
The remaining ammunition from the indicated 9 million rounds primarily consists of rockets for multiple launch rocket systems, 3.2-inch mortar shells, and anti-tank missiles. Additionally, the MSMT report states that 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 who discovered debris suggest these are KN-23 missiles, which have a range of about 370 miles.
Regarding the heavy military equipment transferred to Russia by its ally, MSMT highlighted multiple rocket launch systems with a 9.4-inch diameter and long-range self-propelled artillery of 6.7-inch caliber, such as the Koksan M-1989 and Koksan M-1978 guns.
The MSMT report also contains information about approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers who have arrived in the Kursk region in Russia, along with a note that North Korea is supplying not only old stock but also new missiles, developed with insights gained from the conflict in 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.
