Russian artillery units are heavily dependent on munitions supplied by North Korea to continue their bombardments along the Ukrainian front, according to a report from Reuters on Tuesday, referencing Russian military documents and open-source research.
Analysis of satellite data by the U.K.-based Open Source Center (OSC) reveals that from September 2023 to March 2025, four Russian-flagged vessels made 64 voyages transporting almost 16,000 containers filled with munitions from North Korea to Russian ports. These shipments are believed to contain between 4 million and 6 million artillery shells.
In contrast, Ukrainian and Western officials estimate that Russia produced a maximum of 2.3 million artillery shells domestically in 2024.
The Kremlin has dismissed allegations of weapon transfers from North Korea as of October 2023, asserting that there is “no evidence” to support such claims.
Nevertheless, at least six reports from Russian artillery units reviewed by Reuters indicated that they utilized 50% to 100% North Korean munitions in Ukraine as recently as this year. Additionally, three other unit reports did not mention North Korean supplies.
Defense analyst Konrad Muzyka from Rochan Consulting in Poland noted that North Korean deliveries have allowed Russia to sustain the intensity of its military operations since late 2023.
“Without assistance from the DPRK, the Russian army’s shelling of Ukrainian defensive positions would have been significantly reduced,” Ukraine’s military intelligence agency GUR informed Reuters.
“Without the backing of Chairman Kim Jong Un, President Vladimir Putin would face significant challenges in continuing his military campaign in Ukraine,” stated Hugh Griffiths, who previously coordinated the UN panel overseeing North Korea sanctions.
