South Korea Reports North Korean Arms Transfers to Russia in Violation of UN Sanctions

Since September 2023, North Korea has transferred approximately 20,000 containers to Russia, carrying an estimated 9 million rounds of ammunition, 100 ballistic missiles, and over 200 heavy artillery systems, according to a report by South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited by Yonhap News on May 29.

The report states that the volume of military supplies is sufficient to fully equip three Russian brigades. Deliveries were conducted using Russian military transport aircraft, including three Il-76 and three An-124 planes, operated by Russia’s Air Transport Command, in November and December 2023.

In addition to weapons transfers, Russia reportedly provided North Korea with technical data on missile specifications and support to improve guidance systems—actions that South Korea’s Foreign Ministry says violate UN Security Council resolutions, which Russia itself approved as a permanent Council member.

Moscow has also delivered air defense systems, electronic warfare equipment, and other forms of military assistance to Pyongyang. Since November 2024, Russia has reportedly transferred at least one Pantsir air defense system and a corresponding combat vehicle to North Korea.

According to an earlier US Congressional Research Service report, North Korea has significantly accelerated its nuclear weapons program and may now have sufficient fissile material to produce up to 90 warheads.

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