Half of Russian artillery shells from North Korea proven inoperable.

According to a senior Ukrainian defense official quoted by John Feng in Newsweek, over half of the more than a million artillery shells sent to Russia from North Korea are defective. Vadym Skibitsky, the second-in-command at Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), stated that the Kremlin sought assistance from its secretive Asian ally to supplement Russia's limited arms manufacturing capabilities, albeit with varying degrees of success.
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The shipments from North Korea are said to include significant quantities of artillery shells, such as 120mm mortars, 122mm and 152mm artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, which are compatible with Russian weapons used in Ukraine (Picture source: Russian MoD)

Skibitsky's remarks, disclosed to the Interfax Ukraine news agency on February 23, stated: "As per the available statistical data, Russia has already imported 1.5 million rounds of ammunition from the DPRK. However, these munitions date back to the 1970s and 1980s. Approximately half of them are non-operational, while the remainder necessitates either restoration or, at the very least, thorough inspection before deployment."

According to Bloomberg, satellite imagery from October to December 2023 showed hundreds of shipping containers being loaded onto and unloaded from Russian ships at North Korea’s Najin and Russia’s Dunay ports, suggesting a steady flow of military supplies between the two countries. This cooperation is reportedly enabling Moscow to maintain pressure on Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, as Western nations have accused North Korea of aiding Russia's military efforts.

The United States, South Korea, and Japan announced in October that they had confirmed North Korea's provision of arms and military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine. In response, Pyongyang sought Moscow's military assistance, though both Russia and North Korea deny these claims. The shipments are said to include significant quantities of artillery shells, such as 120mm mortars, 122mm and 152mm artillery shells, and 122mm rockets, which are compatible with Russian weapons used in Ukraine.

This ongoing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea (and Iran for drones), despite international sanctions and widespread condemnation, highlights the complex dynamics of international relations and the challenges in addressing the Ukraine conflict.

Defense News February 2024