**North Korea’s Secret Arms Deal with Russia Exposed**
A shocking revelation has emerged about the extent of North Korea’s military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. According to a report by South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), over 12 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells have been supplied to Russia by North Korea.
The figure is staggering, and it highlights the significance of the defense treaty signed between the two countries last June. With Russia struggling to keep up with its own domestic shell production, North Korea’s supplies have become a crucial lifeline for Moscow. The report also estimates that North Korea has provided around 28,000 containers containing weapons and artillery shells to date.
This is not the first time that North Korea’s military support for Russia has been exposed. In April, a joint investigation by Reuters and the Open Source Centre revealed that over 2024, most of the artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine were manufactured in North Korea. Additionally, Pyongyang has sent over 100 ballistic missiles to Russia, which are frequently used in strikes against Ukrainian cities.
The situation is further complicated by reports of North Korean troops being deployed on the battlefield alongside Russian soldiers. Since October last year, around 13,000 North Korean soldiers have been fighting alongside their Russian counterparts, primarily to help retake Ukrainian-occupied territory in Kursk Oblast. And according to CNN, an additional 25,000-30,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared to join the battle.
**Commentary**
The revelations about North Korea’s military support for Russia raise serious concerns about the war’s escalation and its implications for global security. By providing artillery shells and troops, Pyongyang is effectively becoming a proxy actor in the conflict, which could have far-reaching consequences for the international community.
The defense treaty signed between Russia and North Korea also raises questions about their strategic intentions. What does this alliance mean for regional stability? How will it impact the war’s trajectory, and what are the implications for Ukraine?
**Deeper Analysis**
The report highlights the significance of North Korea’s military industrial complex, which has become a key player in global arms trade. The fact that Pyongyang is capable of producing large quantities of artillery shells suggests that its capabilities extend beyond just missile production.
Moreover, the alliance between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about the war’s escalation and its potential impact on international relations. As the conflict continues to simmer, it is essential for the global community to take note of these developments and their implications for regional stability.
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