100 missiles, 9 million shells, and more: UN reveals massive North Korean arms deliveries to Russia
North Korea supplying weapons to Russia (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
North Korea may have supplied Russia with up to 9 million artillery shells and at least 100 missiles over the past year and a half, according to a report by the Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), established by 11 UN member states.
According to the report, Russian-flagged cargo ships transported up to 9 million rounds of mixed artillery shells and ammunition for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) from North Korea to Russia in 2024.
Using open-source data, the Open Source Center (OSC) estimated that Russian vessels delivered between 4.2 and 5.8 million 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells between August 2023 and March 2025.
The report also reveals that since the beginning of ammunition shipments to Russia in early September 2023, North Korea has delivered over 20,000 containers of ammunition and related materials to support Russia's war against Ukraine. This included:
- 82 mm, 122 mm, 130 mm, 152 mm, and 170 mm artillery shells to supply various weapon systems in Russia's arsenal;
- Towed howitzers, including the D-20 and D-30;
- Howitzers M-30 and M-46;
- The D-74 field gun.
Meanwhile, Russian-flagged cargo vessels delivered 49 shipments of mixed artillery and ammunition for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) from North Korea to Russia. These munitions were then transported by rail from ports in Russia's Far East to ammunition depots in the country's southwest, where they were used by Russian armed forces against Ukraine.
Moreover, between January and December 2024, North Korea supplied Russia with at least 100 ballistic missiles, which were subsequently launched at Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure and terrorizing population centers such as Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.
North Korea also transferred to Russia components of three brigade-level heavy artillery packages, including:
- 170 mm long-range self-propelled artillery systems,
- 240 mm long-range multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS),
- Over 200 vehicles,
- Self-propelled guns,
- MLRS units,
- Reloading vehicles for both types of weapons.
The report also indicates that North Korea supplied Russia with anti-tank missiles. After examining North Korean weapons recovered from the battlefield, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence concluded that among the weapons delivered by North Korea were Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) anti-tank systems.
North Korea assisting Russia in war against Ukraine
Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that China, North Korea, and Iran are supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.
Russia relies heavily on its partners — China, Iran, and North Korea — to evade international sanctions and acquire components necessary for weapons production.
For example, 42 foreign-made parts and components were found in Russian Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles.
Additionally, North Korean missiles used by Russia in multiple attacks on Ukraine have been found to contain components manufactured by American and European companies.
