North Korea Sends Thousands of Soldiers to Frontline, Also Provides Russia with Millions of Bullets

A report released by the Reuters joint with the UK’s Open Source Centre reveals that over the past year, North Korea has provided Russia with millions of shells and a significant amount of military equipment, becoming one of the most crucial sources of assistance for the Russian military on the Ukrainian battlefield.

The report indicates that from September 2023 to March of this year, four cargo ships flying the Russian flag, including Angara, Maria, Maia-1, and Lady R, made a total of 64 round trips between the port of Rajin in North Korea and the Russian Far East ports. Artillery and mortar shells were transported to Russian ports and then transferred by rail to the front lines.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, at one point, almost all of the shells used by the Russian frontline forces were manufactured in North Korea. At its peak, North Korean ammunition accounted for seventy percent of the frontline supplies.

In addition, since the end of last year, North Korea has provided at least 120 sets of long-range artillery and 120 sets of multiple rocket systems, some of which have been spotted by Ukrainian military drones in Kursk.

Hugh Griffiths, the former coordinator of the UN expert panel on North Korean sanctions, stated that without Kim Jong-un’s support, Putin would not be able to sustain this war.

Even more shocking is the direct deployment of North Korean troops. According to Ukrainian intelligence, since last autumn, over 4000 North Korean soldiers have been fighting and casualties in Russian territory; an additional 3000 were dispatched in February this year. Ukrainian commanders stated that these forces have adapted to modern warfare.

In comparison, while Ukraine has Western military assistance, allied forces have not sent troops to engage in combat, and the aid is intermittent.

The report also points out that Russia has simultaneously obtained long-range drone technology from Iran and economic support from China.

The peak of North Korean military aid comes at a critical period of changing US policies. President Trump is pushing for ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, while Ukraine aims to retain control in certain areas to maintain negotiation leverage.

On April 14th, Trump reiterated his efforts to broker a ceasefire on the “Truth Social” platform.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly stated that reaching a ceasefire agreement with the US on Ukraine is not easy, and key issues are still under negotiation.

Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing to announce detailed plans in May to end reliance on Russian oil and gas, viewed as part of trade and security strategies.

According to South Korean security officials speaking to Reuters, North Korea’s assistance not only affects the battlefield dynamics but also intensifies regional geopolitical tensions.

Will North Korea and Russia further unite? How will this war evolve? We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.