North Korea has suspended its shipments of artillery to Russia, a move that could signal logistical challenges or a possible shift in the dynamics of the region. Reports from multiple sources, including South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and Seoul-based news organization NK Pro, have indicated a cessation of maritime munitions transfers from North Korea to Russia, which had allegedly included up to three million shells.
According to satellite imagery from Planet Labs, no large cargo ships have been spotted at Rason, North Korea’s port city involved in the supposed weapons trade, since February 12. The imagery also suggests that containers from North Korea’s internal regions have not been transported to Rason by rail. This interruption could exacerbate the munitions shortage that Russian forces might face as their invasion of Ukraine continues.
Previous reports had indicated a robust flow of military equipment from North Korea to Russia, with at least 32 port calls at Rason by four cargo ships—Lady R, Angara, Maia-1, and Maria—all of which are subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions for their role in the proliferation of military equipment from North Korea to Russia. The last confirmed docking of one of these vessels at Rason was by Maia-1 between February 16 and 21.
The cessation of these shipments may reflect a hiccup in production or logistics. “It is unclear if this is due to production problems at North Korea’s weapons factories or another issue,” said NK Pro, which researches North Korea and has studied the satellite photos. “North Korea does not appear to have delivered containers to the export pier during that time.”
The implications of North Korea’s halted artillery shipments are multifold. Notably, Ukrainian forces have expressed concerns over a lack of supplies from Western allies, and the potential shortage of munitions on the Russian side could tilt the scales. The UK Ministry of Defence highlighted the significance of such developments, suggesting that Russia could “ill afford” capability gaps over the contested airspace of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Amid the cessation of sea transfers, it is worth considering the broader context of the Russia-North Korea relationship. South Korean lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum has pointed out that Pyongyang has engaged in an exchange with Russia, sending arms shipments in return for satellite technology and assistance with their space program.
The pause in sea shipments comes amid a backdrop of alleged quid pro quo deals between the two nations, with North Korea supplying munitions to fuel Russia’s ground offensive in Ukraine and, in exchange, receiving Russian technical expertise for Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. Russia’s assistance is assumed to have facilitated North Korea’s progress towards a third, likely successful, satellite launch attempt after two failed ones.
Relevant articles:
– North Korea stops sending shells to Russia, Seoul claims
– Shipping Issues Halt Russia’s Weapons Resupply from North Korea, Newsweek, Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:25:01 GMT
– North Korea suspends ammunition shipments to Russia by sea, Yahoo! Voices, Sat, 02 Mar 2024 03:29:00 GMT
– North Korea sends Russia artillery rounds for satellite advice: S Korea, Al Jazeera English, Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT