**North Korea Sends 50 Self-Propelled Howitzers and MLRS to Russia**
North Korea has sent a large shipment of military equipment, including 50 self-propelled howitzers and 20 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), to Russia. This information comes from a Ukrainian intelligence assessment reported by the Financial Times on November 16.
**More Troops Arriving in Russia**
At the same time, around 11,000 North Korean troops are training alongside Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast of Russia. Some of these troops have already been deployed to fight alongside Russians against Ukraine. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed this development on November 13.
**North Korea’s Military Aid to Russia**
The military equipment delivered by North Korea includes self-propelled howitzers and MLRS systems made in North Korea. These weapons are being moved to the Kursk Oblast to support Russia’s efforts to regain control of territory lost to Ukraine earlier this year. The reliability of these North Korean-made weapons has been questioned before, with reports that Pyongyang had sent 1970s-era weapons to Moscow.
**Russia’s Military Needs**
Russia’s military stocks are running low due to Western sanctions, and domestic production capacity is hampered. As a result, Russia has been relying on North Korea for extensive military packages, including artillery shells. In June, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik reported that North Korea had provided Russia with as many as 4.8 million artillery shells.
**Growing Alliances**
The deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea has led to growing relations between South Korea and Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said at a press conference on November 7 that the country does not rule out providing arms to Ukraine, a move that could strengthen its ties with Kyiv.
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