The investigation conducted by Reuters along with the Open Source Centre (OSC) shows that North Korea has supplied around 5.8 million rounds of ammunition to Russia. Concerning artillery shells, Putin’s troops battling in Ukraine largely rely on supplies coming from Pyongyang.
The OSC is an independent British research institute primarily concentrating on security matters. This comprehensive investigation spanned 20 months, from September 2023 through March 2025, tracking
64 shipments containing nearly
16,000 containers
sent from North Korea to Russia.
The enormous scale of aid for Russia
In its published report, Reuters reveals the precise path of the weapon transfers. Four vessels with Russian flags—named Angara, Maria, Maia-1, and Lady R—were tasked with moving North Korean armaments from North Korea to ports in Russia’s Far Eastern region. Following this maritime transport, the shipments were moved via railway to various destinations.
munition storage facilities situated close to Ukraine
.
Russia dependent on supplies from North Korea
Assistance provided by North Korea to Russia mainly encompasses
mortar rounds and artillery projectiles—4.8 inches and 6 inches in diameter
. This is crucial equipment for Putin’s army. Artillery is referred to as the “god of war,” and during the war in Ukraine, it plays a key role (along with drones). Artillery shells of 4.8-inch and 6-inch calibers are essential for operating most of the popular Russian systems of this type, including the 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S5 Giatsint, and 2S19 Msta.
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Reuters was also able to analyze nine Russian military documents containing data on the use and stockpiles of ammunition within the artillery units. It is clear from them that the Russian units fighting in Ukraine are almost entirely dependent on supplies from Pyongyang. In some cases, North Korean artillery shells constitute 70 percent and more (on some days even 100 percent) of the total ammunition in use.
Konrad Muzyka from the analytical firm Rochan Consulting believes that since the end of 2023, Russia has managed to maintain the intensity of attacks thanks to aid from North Korea.
“It allowed the Russians to maintain an offensive posture and constant pressure on Ukrainian forces throughout most of 2024 into 2025,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.
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Russian reliance on North Korean artillery highlights shortages
In addition to mortar and artillery shells, North Korea also sent Russia (albeit in much smaller quantities) KN-23 ballistic missiles, as well as multiple rocket launch systems and about 120 Koksan M-1989 and Koksan M-1978 guns. Initially, they were used exclusively in the Kursk region in Russia, but in recent weeks, the Russians have also been using them in the occupied territories belonging to Ukraine.
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Russia’s artillery woes deepen as reliance on North Korea grows
North Korean ammo fuels Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine
North Korea bolsters Russia with arms and troops amid Ukraine war
