North Korea Supplied 7,000 Containers of Munitions to Russia : South Korea Claim

Defense News ,North Korea :-    South Korea's defense minister, Shin Won-sik, revealed on Monday that North Korea has been sending about 7,000 containers loaded with weapons and military gear to Russia since last year. This move is seen as assistance to Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Shin's statement came shortly after reports of North Korea firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern waters, adding to tensions in the region.

North Korea has been taking advantage of Russia's conflict in Ukraine to step up its weapons testing since the beginning of 2022. It has also formed an alliance with Moscow over the conflict, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeks to break out of diplomatic isolation and unite against the United States.

U.S. and South Korean officials accuse North Korea of providing Russia with artillery shells, missiles, and other equipment to aid its war in Ukraine. This alleged arms transfer intensified after a rare summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.

In return for supplying Russia with weaponry, North Korea is believed to have received essential aid, including food, economic assistance, and military upgrades. Despite both Moscow and Pyongyang denying any arms deal, South Korean officials suspect Russia of providing fuel to North Korea, possibly in violation of U.N. Security Council sanctions.

According to Shin, North Korea has shifted from using ships to using its rail networks to transport arms supplies to Russia through their land border. In exchange for millions of artillery shells and other supplies, North Korea received over 9,000 Russian containers filled with aid. There are concerns that Russia's aid might include fuel, which could breach U.N. sanctions.

While fuel shortages previously limited North Korea's military training activities, recent assessments suggest that North Korea has expanded drills in January and February. These activities coincide with the end of South Korean-U.S. joint military exercises.

Shin speculates that North Korea might escalate its testing before South Korea's parliamentary elections on April 10. This election is crucial for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has adopted a tough stance on North Korea's nuclear ambitions and threats.

Tensions between North and South Korea have heightened, with both countries violating a 2018 agreement to reduce border tensions. Kim Jong Un has declared the South as the North's most hostile adversary, indicating a shift from previous reconciliation efforts.

While North Korea's recent missile tests appear aimed at enhancing its frontline forces, South Korean and U.S. militaries are also assessing whether some tests aim to validate weapons intended for Russia.

North Korean state media reported Kim Jong Un congratulating Putin on his reelection and praising a luxury limousine gifted by Putin. This gesture underscores the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.