North Korea delivered up to 5.8 million munitions to Russia by sea

North Korea has shipped between 4.2 and 5.8 million rounds of ammunition to Russia over the past year and a half.

In accordance a Reuters and OSC investigation.

According to the investigation, the DPRK made at least 64 arms shipments to Russia between August 2023 and March 2025. The shipments were made by four Russian-flagged vessels:

• Angara (IMO 9179842);

• Lady R (IMO 9161003);

• Maria (IMO 8517839);

• Maia-1 (IMO 9358010).

Using hundreds of satellite images, 3D modeling, and analysis of crate and ammunition configurations, OSC estimates that these vessels transported more than 15,000 containers, which likely contained between 4.2 and 5.8 million rounds of ammunition. In particular, 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells and 122 mm rocket launchers. These supplies have become a critical factor in allowing Russia to maintain intense artillery fire in Ukraine.

There is evidence that these munitions are shipped in containers from the North Korean port of Rajin to the Russian Far East, and then transported by rail to ammunition depots located closer to the front line.

According to a rough estimate, about 750 containers are supplied each month – this is equivalent to approximately 600,000-783,000 rounds of ammunition each quarter. This support from North Korea is likely to have reduced the burden on Russia’s defense industry and expanded its ability to conduct high-intensity combat operations.

The flow of ammunition from North Korea poses a serious strategic challenge. By allowing Russia to maintain its offensive capabilities, it undermines the effectiveness of Western military aid to Ukraine. If this supply is not stopped, it could tip the balance of power on the battlefield even further in Moscow’s favor and accelerate the spread of security threats in both Europe and East Asia, the journalists noted.

USM previously reported that North Korea is building its largest warship: Russia could provide the technology.