Yuri Kobzar18:25, 29.05.25

Until now, it was reported that Russia received no more than 6 million rounds of ammunition.

In 2024 alone, Russia received up to 9 million artillery shells and rockets from the DPRK. This is significantly more than previous estimates . The data is contained in the first report of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), created by 11 UN member states.

Thus, according to monitoring data, over the past year, Russian sea vessels transported from the ports of the DPRK to Russian ports in the Far East about 9 million ammunition of various types and calibers, including shells of the main artillery calibers of 122 and 152 mm – a total of 4.2 to 5.8 million units.

In addition, over the past year, Russia received from North Korea:

• at least 100 ballistic missiles, which were subsequently launched at the territory of Ukraine,
• Korean-made 170mm long-range self-propelled artillery units,
• 240mm multiple launch rocket systems,
• more than 200 units of equipment, including self-propelled guns, MLRS and vehicles for reloading both types of weapons.
• anti-tank missiles.

The report also references numerous investigations that examined the remains of shells and missiles launched by the Russians into Ukraine, which confirmed the North Korean origin of such weapons.

At the same time, such investigations make it clear that the DPRK is transferring to the Russians not only old stockpiles, but also completely new products, in particular, missiles that have been improved taking into account the experience of strikes against Ukraine. In addition, imported components have been found in the new Korean weapons, which confirms the violation of sanctions imposed on this country at the UN level.

According to information from one of the states participating in the proceedings, Russia transferred its air defense systems – short-range anti-aircraft systems – as well as electronic warfare systems to the DPRK as payment, thereby also violating existing sanctions.

Russia and DPRK

As UNIAN wrote, it was previously reported that Russia could have received up to 6 million artillery rounds from North Korea .

Hugh Griffiths, a senior research fellow at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), said that Russia has not yet been defeated in the war against Ukraine solely thanks to assistance from North Korea .

According to him, the supply of Korean ammunition to Russia was of strategic importance. This is not to mention the assistance with soldiers.

(C)UNIAN 2025