North Korea Sends 6,700 Containers In Munitions To Aid Russia In Ukraine

Reporters were told by South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik that North Korea is thought to have shipped 6,700 containers to Russia, increasing the rate of shipments since Putin and Kim Jong Un met in September.

“You can say that at least several million shells have been sent,” - Minister Shin Won-sik said in a statement, emphasizing whether the shipment contained 3 million 152 mm artillery shells, or 500,000 122 mm rounds.

Due to a shortage of energy and raw materials, hundreds of North Korean munitions facilities are only operating at about 30% of their potential; nevertheless, those manufacturing artillery rounds for Russia are "at full swing".

Seoul and Washington have denounced the North for giving weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine and accused Pyongyang and Moscow of engaging in arms trade. Although they both promised to increase their military cooperation, they have denied it.

According to the Department of State, since September, North Korea has shipped over 10,000 containers filled with weapons and related supplies to Russia. About 9,000 containers filled with food supplies, were sent from Russia to North Korea in return.

Source: Reuters