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Key Points

North Korea has significantly escalated its military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine by supplying over 12 million artillery shells. The Defense Intelligence Agency reports that these weapons have been delivered through approximately 28,000 containers since last October. North Korea is also considering sending additional troops to support Russia's reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. The ongoing military cooperation highlights the deepening strategic alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow amid international sanctions.

Key Points: North Korea Supplies 12M Shells to Russia's Ukraine War

  • North Korea provides 28,000 weapon containers to Russia
  • Potential 5,000 military construction workers to be deployed
  • Weapons exchanged for economic cooperation
  • Russian control of 81% of four Ukrainian regions
2 min read

North Korea supplies Russia with 12 million rounds of 152 mm shells: South Korea

North Korea supports Russia's invasion with massive artillery ammunition shipment, totaling 12 million 152 mm shells and potential troop deployment.

"If calculated with 152 mm single shells, the number of supplied shells are presumed to have reached more than 12 million - Defense Intelligence Agency"

Seoul, July 13

North Korea has continued to provide Russia with artillery shells to support its war against Ukraine, which amounts to more than 12 million rounds of 152 mm shells, according to South Korea's military intelligence authorities Sunday.

North Korea is believed to have provided around 28,000 containers containing weapons and artillery shells to date, according to a report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) submitted to a lawmaker of the main opposition party.

"If calculated with 152 mm single shells, the number of supplied shells are presumed to have reached more than 12 million," the DIA under the defence ministry said.

Since October last year, North Korea has provided conventional weapons and around 13,000 troops to Russia to support Moscow's war efforts.

North Korea is likely to send additional troops to Russia in July or August, Seoul's spy agency said in late June. Russia's media reported that the North will send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to Kursk to support reconstruction efforts.

On June 26, after Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang and met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un early last week, Russian media reported that Pyongyang plans to send thousands of military construction workers to Russia's Kursk front line.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) also noted that North Korea has supported Russia by providing over 10 million artillery shells, missiles and long-range weapons, in exchange for economic cooperation and technical support from Moscow.

North Korea's troop dispatch and weapons support have significantly contributed to Russia's war efforts, the NIS said, adding that Russia currently controls about 81 per cent of the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk.

The NIS also said Ukrainian intelligence authorities are raising the possibility that Russia may launch an offensive between July and August.

Regarding the then situation in the Middle East, the NIS had issued warnings of the potential for renewed conflict between Israel and Iran despite the ceasefire.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
12 million shells?! That's insane! North Korea must be getting something big in return from Russia. This war is just getting worse by the day. Hope our government is preparing contingency plans if this escalates further.
A
Arjun K
While the West focuses on Ukraine, we should remember India's own defense needs. This shows how important it is to be self-reliant in weapons manufacturing under Make in India.
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Sarah B
The article mentions 13,000 North Korean troops sent to Russia - that's a massive number! I wonder how this will impact the war dynamics. India should stay cautious about these shifting alliances.
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Vikram M
Russia-North Korea cooperation is worrying, but let's not forget the US keeps supplying weapons to Ukraine too. War is terrible no matter who's supplying arms. India's balanced approach makes sense.
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Kavya N
The economic angle is interesting - North Korea getting technical support from Russia. This war is changing global power equations. India needs to strengthen ties with all sides while protecting our interests.
M
Michael C
While the article presents facts well, it would be helpful to have more analysis on how this impacts Asian geopolitics, especially for countries like India who have relations with both Russia and Western nations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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