North Korea boosts military support to Russia with missiles, shells, and troops – AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is stepping up military aid to Russia, sending soldiers, missiles, and artillery. The DPRK troops are suffering heavy losses, but the Kremlin is demanding even more.
The AP reports this.
According to the Seoul military, the DPRK sent about 3,000 more soldiers to Russia in January and February. To help Russia, North Korea is also sending more:
- missiles,
- artillery equipment,
- ammunition.
At the same time, North Korea may increase the supply of weapons depending on the military situation.
The military equipment sent by North Korea to Russia includes:
- "a significant number" of short-range ballistic missiles,
- 170-millimeter self-propelled howitzers,
- about 220 units of 240-millimeter multiple launch rocket systems.
North Korea has sent about 11,000 troops to fight in Ukraine, its first major conflict since the 1950-53 Korean War.
Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff estimates that about 4,000 of them have been killed or wounded.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service has previously attributed North Korea's high casualties to the troops' difficulty adapting to drones and other elements of modern warfare.
North Korean forces have been further hampered by the crude tactics of their Russian commanders, who have sent them on assaults without fire support.
However, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have estimated that the North Koreans are gaining significant combat experience and playing a key role in Russia's strategy for war against Ukraine, throwing large forces into the battle in the Kursk region.
The South Korean military report came after North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un expressed his unwavering support for Russia's war against Ukraine during a meeting with Russian military official Sergei Shoigu last week in Pyongyang.
State media reported that Kim and Shoigu reaffirmed their commitment to a significant mutual defense treaty signed last year.
For reference:
On June 19 last year, the Russian dictator and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. It provides mutual military assistance in the event of aggression against Pyongyang or Moscow.
North Korea is reported to have sent about 11,000 troops. This contingent includes at least 500 officers and three generals from the General Staff.
Ukrainian intelligence reports that North Korea has transferred 100 short-range ballistic missiles and over 100 artillery systems to Russia, with Russian forces having already used about 60 KN-23 ballistic missiles against Ukraine.
In addition, in January 2025, North Korean M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems, which have a significant firing range, were first spotted on the Russian-Ukrainian front.
On December 22, the Defense Express edition reported that the Russian Federation could receive ballistics from the DPRK that fly over 1,000 km. A video appeared online the other day, showing another train with weapons and military equipment from North Korea in the Tyumen region.
North Korean forces sustain heavy losses, withdraw from front line in Kursk region – NYT
North Korean soldiers blow themselves up with grenades to avoid capture – Sky News
North Korean military contingent in Kursk region could be eliminated by April – ISW
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces decipher secret notes of deceased North Korean in Russia's Kursk region
