North Korea Arms Shipments to Russia Stall as Winter Turns Against Them

Satellite-tracked weapons shipments from North Korea to Russia slowed sharply in January as freezing weather disrupted maritime traffic, according to an analysis published by NK News on January 30.

The outlet reported that only one Russian vessel visited North Korea’s port of Rason in January to load cargo linked to arms exports. The ship docked at a pier associated with North Korean weapons shipments on January 14, after unloading empty containers at a nearby berth the previous day.

Based on hull characteristics and satellite imagery, analysts assess that the vessel was likely one of two sanctioned Russian cargo ships known to transport North Korean weapons: Angara or Lady R.

The January visit marked the first known arrival of a Russian ship at Rason since December 21. Containers began accumulating again at the port between December 27 and December 31, suggesting preparations for another shipment roughly two weeks later.

From October through December, Russian cargo vessels typically made at least three trips per month to Rason. The sharp drop in January activity appears to be linked to severe winter conditions.

“Cold weather in January may have contributed to the slowdown in operations,” the report noted, adding that a similar pattern was observed in January 2025, when only one ship visited the port.

Weapons shipments from Rason are usually transported to Russia’s Vostochny port. While ice conditions there were limited in early January, the harbor was almost completely frozen by January 24, potentially posing risks for smaller vessels. Satellite imagery showed reduced activity among larger ships as well.

Read more

Category

Latest news

Will Soviet-Era Artillery and North Korean Ammo Keep Russia’s War Machine Alive?

May 22, 2025 14:35

Extreme cold and the heaviest snowfall in two decades also disrupted operations at other Russian ports, including Vladivostok and Nakhodka, although Rason itself remained largely ice-free.

Since 2023, estimates of North Korean ammunition supplies delivered to Russia range from 6.5 million to more than 8 million artillery shells—enough to cover up to half of Moscow’s battlefield demand, according to multiple Western assessments.

Earlier, reports emerged that North Korea was preparing to build one of the country’s largest-ever military manufacturing complexes as it ramps up weapons deliveries to Russia.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW