President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia is set to visit North Korea for a two-day trip to meet with one of his main arms suppliers for the ongoing war in Ukraine. As Russia faces a need for conventional weapons like artillery shells and missiles, North Korea has emerged as a key provider in this conflict.
The United States has previously accused North Korea of selling artillery to Russia dating back to September 2022, which North Korea denied at the time. Subsequent reports indicated that North Korea had shipped over 1,000 containers of arms to Russia by September of the following year, with estimates reaching close to 7,000 containers by March. These shipments could potentially include a large quantity of artillery shells and rockets, giving Russia a significant advantage in the war.
In addition to these conventional weapons, Russia has also been reported to have launched ballistic missiles produced in North Korea during the conflict. Fragments of the Hwasong-11A ballistic missile have been found in Ukrainian cities following Russian airstrikes, indicating the usage of these weapons in the war. Furthermore, North Korea may be supplying anti-tank missiles, portable surface-to-air missiles, rifles, rocket launchers, mortars, and shells to support Russia’s military efforts.
The war in Ukraine is characterized by a constant exchange of artillery shells, missiles, and rockets between Russia and Ukraine, making the supply of these munitions crucial for maintaining an edge in the conflict. While some experts have highlighted the precision and effectiveness of the Hwasong-11A series missiles, questions remain about the overall impact of the weapons provided by North Korea. Former Gen. Mark A. Milley expressed skepticism about the decisive nature of 152-millimeter rounds from North Korea, suggesting that their impact on the battlefield may not be as significant as initially perceived.
As diplomatic and military efforts continue to unfold in support of Ukraine against Russia, journalists like Lara Jakes play a vital role in reporting on these developments. With nearly 30 years of experience, Lara Jakes provides valuable insights into the ongoing conflict and the efforts of Western nations to aid Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.