US Explanation: DPRK Stoppes Weapons Delivery To Russia

It’s about maritime supplies.

Russia is probably not yet delivering North Korean weapons by sea. Deliveries in this way ceased in mid-February 2024.

Although it is possible that Moscow can transport military cargo from Pyongyang by air or rail. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates in its report.

Analysts cited the publication of NK News (an American news site that publishes articles and analytical materials about North Korea. – Ed.) dated February 29 and satellite images. According to the report, Russian warships involved in the sea transportation of ammunition and weapons from the DPRK to Russia have not entered the North Korean port of Rajin since February 12.

According to media reports, since August 2023, Russian vessels have made at least 32 voyages between the port of Rajin and the Russian ports of Danube and Vostochny in Primorsky Krai. For example, the cargo ship Lady R transported an indefinite number of transport containers, probably containing North Korean ammunition and weapons, between the DPRK and the Russian Federation from January 30 to February 8. Another Maya-1 vessel arrived in the Russian port of Vostochny from North Korea on February 12.

NK Pro reports that satellite imagery has not captured another large cargo ship en route between the two berths, or new deliveries to the port of Rajin since February 12. Investigators suggested that the pause could be due to production problems in the DPRK or other logistical problems.

At the same time, it is noted that North Korea can also transport weapons to Russia by air or rail.

Earlier, ISW reported that the Russian Federation uses the Baikal-Amur and East Siberian railways to facilitate the transportation of goods from/to China and North Korea. Russia increasingly relies on both of these countries for economic and military support, respectively, to sustain its military efforts against Ukraine.

South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said on February 26 that North Korea has shipped about 6,700 containers of ammunition to Russia in recent months. According to him, these containers can accommodate more than three million 152-mm artillery shells or about 500,000 122-caliber shells.