North Korea has likely begun supplying Russia not just with troops but also with heavy artillery. Recently, a photo surfaced online showing two 170-mm self-propelled howitzers M1989 Koksan on a train platform heading through Krasnoyarsk to Siberia.
This was reported by Forbes.
The volume of North Korean arms supplies to Russia may reach $5.5 billion – researchThe volume of North Korean arms supplies to Russia ranges from $1.7 billion to $5.5 billion. North Korea's revenues could increase by hundreds of millions of dollars through the deployment of soldiers to Ukraine.The publication notes that there are two possible reasons for this: either the North Korean artillery unit is preparing for the front lines in Russia or Ukraine, or these howitzers will be handed over to Russian troops who plan to use them against Ukraine. The latter option seems more likely, as North Korea has already sent thousands of soldiers who have joined Russian units at the front.
As is known, the Russian army currently needs both foreign soldiers and equipment, as combat losses and the shortage of ammunition on the front line are becoming increasingly significant. The old stocks of Soviet weapons in Russia are depleting rapidly, especially artillery.
However, there is a problem: the M1989 howitzers use unique 170-mm ammunition that is produced exclusively in North Korea. Russia is already purchasing munitions from North Korea, but it will not be able to manufacture shells for such howitzers independently. This means that the use of these guns will depend on supplies from Pyongyang, which could create logistical challenges.
The fact of cooperation with North Korea and Iran further confirms that Russia is increasingly relying on its allies to continue the war against Ukraine.
It should be noted that recently, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law ratifying an agreement on strategic partnership with North Korea, including provisions on mutual defense.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that he intends to discuss possible measures in response to the rapprochement between Russia and North Korea with elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
Additionally, it is known that North Korean soldiers have already suffered their first losses in battles against the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Estimates indicate that there are currently 11,000 North Korean soldiers concentrated in the Kursk region of Russia.