**North Korea Supplies Half of Russia’s Artillery Shells in Ukraine War**
A shocking investigation by Reuters and the Open Source Center (OPS) has revealed that most artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine were manufactured in North Korea. The joint investigation, published on April 15, found that between 75% to 100% of artillery shells in some Russian military units are North Korean-made.
This disturbing revelation highlights the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. In exchange for oil products and advanced rocket technology, North Korea has become a key supplier of artillery shells, missiles, and reportedly even soldiers to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), cited by Reuters, North Korea is providing roughly half of all artillery shells used by Russian troops.
The investigation also discovered that arms shipments from North Korea to Russia began as early as September 2023, following a visit to Pyongyang by then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Since then, Russian cargo ships have transported military cargo 64 times from the North Korean port of Rajin to Russian ports. These deliveries peaked in January 2024, with seven batches per month.
**The Scale of the Operation**
Satellite images show that a total of at least 15,809 containers were carried on these cargo ships. The containers could carry between four and six million artillery shells alone. This staggering number underscores the significant role North Korea is playing in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine.
Deliveries have slowed down to about three batches per month since January 2024. However, this does not mean that the operation has stopped entirely. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described North Korea as a “partner” and suggested that countries “friendly” to Russia could take part in the peace process and negotiations to end Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Implications**
The investigation raises serious questions about the nature of this alliance between Russia and North Korea. As tensions escalate, it becomes increasingly clear that both nations are engaging in a strategic partnership aimed at countering Western influence. The consequences of this collaboration are far-reaching and should be closely monitored by international observers.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to rage on, it is crucial for the global community to understand the role North Korea is playing in arming Russia’s military. This investigation sheds light on a critical aspect of the war effort and highlights the need for further scrutiny of this evolving alliance.
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