DPRK hands over more than 1,000 containers of arms and ammunition to Russia

North Korea has supplied Russia with over 1,000 containers of military equipment and ammunition for further use in the war against Ukraine. John Kirby, U.S. Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House said this on October 13.

The transfer of North Korean arms to the Russians took place in recent weeks. In exchange, the DPRK expects to receive heavy weapons from Russia, including aircraft. "According to our information, North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and ammunition in recent weeks," Kirby said.

John Kirby.

Photo credits: U.S. media

The White House also published graphs showing how the DPRK transferred weapons to Russia. According to the U.S. official, the deliveries took place between September 7 and October 1.

The route of arms supply from the DPRK to Russia, 2023. Illustration: U.S.

National Security Council

First, the weapons arrived at a Russian port in the village of Danube on the Sea of Japan. Then, the cargo was transported by rail to a depot near the city of Tikhoretsk, Krasnodar Krai, 290 kilometers from Ukraine. Kirby also noted that the United States was concerned that Russia was providing assistance to North Korea in return.

"In return for support, we assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, or other materials and other advanced technologies," he added. The United States has condemned such cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. A White House spokesperson also announced new sanctions to be imposed on individuals and organizations that facilitate arms deals between these countries.

The R-122 rocket produced by the DPRK, which are in service with the Russian military.

Ukraine. Summer 2023. Photo credits: Ukraine Weapons Tracker

The Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, assures that Russia receives 122 mm and 152 mm shells for cannon artillery and 122mm rockets for MRL from North Korea.

Illustrative photo of a North Korean train.

Photo from open sources.

In October, satellite images revealed that North Korea had increased rail shipments of unknown cargo to the Russian Federation.