North Korea boosts Russia's power with 9 million ammo rounds
The report from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) indicates that the world did not anticipate such a scale of support for Russia. The collected data suggests that North Korea has already supplied over 9 million rounds of ammunition and a substantial amount of heavy military equipment to Putin's army.
Previous data, released by sources including Ukrainian intelligence, suggested the deliveries amounted to around 6 million ammunition rounds. The findings of MSMT—an international team monitoring sanctions against North Korea established in October 2024—shed new light on 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 up to 9 million ammunition rounds to the country. It is estimated that these were mainly artillery shells, ranging from 4.2 to 5.8 million rounds of 122 mm and 152 mm caliber.
This type of support is invaluable for Russia. Artillery, though considered obsolete by some, proves to be crucial in the war being fought in Ukraine (alongside drones). The artillery systems used by Putin's army, such as the 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S5 Hyacinth, and 2S19 Msta, specifically require 122 mm and 152 mm caliber shells. Reuters reported earlier this year that Russian troops fighting in Ukraine are already almost entirely dependent on artillery ammunition supplies from Pyongyang.
Not only ammunition but also military equipment
The remaining ammunition out of the reported 9 million rounds mainly consists of rockets for multiple launch rocket systems, 82 mm caliber mortar shells, and anti-tank rounds. Additionally, the MSMT report states that the Russian army also received about 100 ballistic missiles, which enabled them to "intensify missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including targeted strikes on critical civilian infrastructure." Reports from Ukrainians finding remains indicate these are KN-23 missiles, with a range of about 370 miles.
Regarding the heavy military equipment transferred to Russia by its ally, the MSMT pointed to 240 mm-caliber multiple launch rocket systems and long-range self-propelled artillery of 170 mm caliber, such as the Koksan M-1989 and Koksan M-1978 guns.
The MSMT report also includes information about approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers who have arrived in the Kursk region of Russia, and a note that North Korea is supplying not only old stockpiles but also new missiles, 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," the MSMT report states.
