South Korean Intelligence: North Korea Providing Ammunition to Russia for Ukraine Conflict.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) is currently investigating allegations that North Korea has provided weapons manufactured in the 1970s to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. These allegations arise amid reports of increasing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, including significant ammunition transfers.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of a new 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system on May 11 2024.  (Picture source: KCNA)

Recent disclosures suggest that North Korea has shipped about 6,700 containers to Russia since a summit between the leaders of the two countries in September. The containers are believed to contain around 3 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells or 500,000 rounds of 122 mm artillery shells. These munitions, likely dating from the 1970s, have been identified in the conflict zone through Korean characters found on artillery shells recovered in Ukraine.

The investigation was triggered by images captured last year by a Ukrainian photographer showing 122 mm rocket shells inscribed with Korean characters. This discovery has led to heightened scrutiny of the depth and nature of North Korean military support to Russia. Additionally, there are concerns about North Korea acquiring missile technology under the guise of these military exchanges. The NIS has expressed vigilance over potential illicit shipments of missile parts to North Korea, which could significantly enhance its weapons development programs.

Furthermore, recent developments indicate that North Korea is advancing its own military capabilities. State media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of a new 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system, expected to be deployed in the North Korean military this year.

 This situation continues to highlight the broader implications of North Korea's involvement in supplying military equipment to Russia, particularly in light of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine initiated in 2022. Despite international sanctions, cooperation between Russia and North Korea appears to be strengthening, with both nations benefiting from the exchange of military hardware and expertise. At a recent UN Security Council meeting, Russia vetoed a resolution that would have extended the mandate of experts monitoring sanctions against North Korea, signaling a potential shift in international relations and security dynamics.

The United States has also addressed the issue, suggesting that the security threat posed by North Korea could "change drastically" over the next decade if its military collaboration with Russia continues to evolve. The Pentagon has echoed these concerns, noting that North Korea remains actively engaged in supplying weapons to Russia, underscoring the flourishing partnership between the two countries.