North Korea Sends Thousands of Arms Containers to Russia

Since mid-2022, North Korea has shipped over 13,000 containers to Russia, potentially carrying more than 6 million artillery shells, according to a South Korean military intelligence report. This marks a significant increase in arms transfers, as the previous report noted around 6,700 containers sent by February 2023. The military tracks these shipments through the port of Najin, as North Korea emerges as a key supplier for Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In addition to artillery shells, North Korea may also be providing 122-mm rounds, anti-aircraft missiles, and other weaponry. In exchange, Russia is reportedly offering North Korea technological aid for its missile and satellite programs. Both South Korea and the US are closely monitoring these developments, noting that Russian missiles used in Ukraine show characteristics of North Korean designs.