North Korea has sent 6700 containers with three million 152mm shells to Russia. Satellite imagery now shows Russian ships have not been allowed to dock.
Russian ships suspected of transporting huge quantities of ammunition and weaponry to Russia have not docked in North Korea since February 12, analysts at the North Korea-focused outlet NK Pro say.
The report, citing satellite imagery analysis, states that four Russian ships — the Lady R, the Angara, the Maia-1, and the Maria — have made at least 32 trips between Rajin port in North Korea and Russia's Dunay and Vostochny ports in the far east of the country.
These shipments appear to have ceased in recent weeks.
It is believed that North Korea has sent up to three million shells to Russia.
"It is unclear if this is due to production problems at North Korea's weapons factories or another issue," wrote the analysts. However, "North Korea does not appear to have delivered containers to the export pier during that time."
The report cautioned that "it also cannot be ruled out that weapons are being transferred to Russia by air or by rail."
North Korea is Russia's largest supplier of ammunition and weaponry according to reporting. In August of 2023 Kim Jong-un agreed to send Russia weapons in exchange for space technology. Additionally South Korea as recently as last month that North Korean weapons factories were operating at full capacity.