North Korea has already delivered 6 million missiles to Russia - Ukrainian intelligence
Moscow is actively replenishing its stockpile of shells at the expense of the DPRK, providing missiles, technology and even workers from its factories in return.
Here's What We Know
According to the head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, North Korea has already transferred about six million 122- and 152-mm artillery shells to Russia. This is only part of a large-scale military-technical exchange programme between the two countries, under which Pyongyang has also sent 120 M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems (170 mm) and the same number of M1991 multiple rocket launchers (240 mm).
In an interview with Ukrinform, Ivashchenko explained that Russia annually produces up to 3 million shells, and imports the same amount, mostly from the DPRK. At the same time, according to the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Pyongyang not only trades in shells, but also receives generous "barter" gifts, ranging from missile and space technologies to specialists to work at Russian defence enterprises.
Moreover, North Korean workers are already helping Russia not only in the defence sector but also in entirely peaceful industries such as agriculture and construction. Last year, more than 13,000 workers from the DPRK came to Russia.
The "Koksans" that appeared in Russia in 2024. Illustration: з відкритих джерел
However, the expansion of Russian arms production is stalling. "We need investments, machines, components, and there are problems with this. It is difficult with electronics and speciality chemicals," Ivashchenko said. According to him, the shortage of electronics and speciality chemicals affects the quality of the equipment. Currently, 80% of Russian weapons are refurbished old equipment with reduced performance, removed from storage. Only one in five units is modern.
Despite reports of the DPRK's military presence in the Kursk region, Ukrainian intelligence has not yet spotted them in the occupied territories of Ukraine. At the same time, North Korean artillery has already appeared on the Kherson and other directions.
To recap, Ivashchenko also said that Ukrainian intelligence is not sure that unrecognised Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko does not have Russian nuclear missiles on the territory of the country.
Source: Ukrinform
