Moscow is in dire need of conventional weapons, such as artillery shells and missiles, to continue its war of attrition in Ukraine. To this end, Russian President Vladimir Putin is leaving for a two-day visit to North Korea, one of Russia’s main arms suppliers.
About this informs Voice of America.
Background of arms supply
The US first accused North Korea of selling artillery to Russia back in September 2022, but Pyongyang denied the allegations at the time. However, last August the White House warned of arms talks between Putin and Kim Jong Un, and in September Kim visited Putin in eastern Russia.
By March, North Korea had shipped about 7,000 weapons containers to Russia that could contain up to three million 152mm artillery shells or more than half a million 122mm rockets, according to US officials. South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wok-sik recently estimated the number of containers shipped at 10,000.
In addition, the White House said in January that Russia had begun launching North Korean-made ballistic missiles. Experts confirmed this by finding the wreckage of Hwasong-11A missiles after Russian airstrikes in Ukraine.
North Korea may also supply Russia with anti-tank and man-portable anti-aircraft missiles, rifles, rocket launchers, mortars and shells.
The importance of Putin’s visit
The visit underscores Russia’s dependence on North Korea for weapons supplies to continue the war in Ukraine. It also shows Kim Jong-un’s willingness to support Putin’s aggressive policy despite international sanctions and condemnation.
