Bloomberg: North Korea Accelerates Pace Of Secret Weapons Deliveries To Putin

What's in the containers?

North Korea has sent about 6,700 containers to Russia, which could contain about 3 million 152 mm shells, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said.

According to Bloomberg, in return Russia supplies North Korea with food, raw materials and parts used in the production of weapons, the South Korean Defense Minister said.

He said food aid helped Kim stabilize prices for essential goods. If arms supplies expand, Shin Won Sik believes, Russia will transfer more and more military technologies to the DPRK, which could increase Pyongyang's ability to threaten the region.

South Korea's central bank estimates North Korea's annual economy is about $25 billion, and the country desperately needs food, oil, construction materials and currency for international trade.

The weapons Kim supplies Russia are likely worth several billion dollars, and the support he receives from Putin represents one of Kim's biggest achievements since he came to power some 12 years ago.