North Korea has delivered millions of artillery shells to Russia following a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last September, according to South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik.
South Korea Reported About Millions of Artillery Shells That North Korea Sent to Russia
According to POLITICO, the South Korean defense minister revealed that the military supplies were sent to support Russia in its war against Ukraine in exchange for essential goods such as food.
According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, Shin said in a press briefing Monday that approximately 6,700 containers had been delivered by North Korea to Russia that could hold up to 3 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells or 500,000 rounds of 122 mm artillery shells.
Shin noted that while North Korea's arms factories operate at 30% capacity due to shortages of raw materials and power, some facilities were operating at full capacity to produce weapons and shells specifically for Russia.
Ukraine Struggles With Ammunition Shortages Amid War With Russia
Shin's remarks coincide with Ukraine's reported struggles with ammunition shortages because of the delays in Western aid.
US Congress continued to stall President Joe Biden's $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine as many House Republicans were not willing to continue funding Kyiv's war effort.
In the past, both Russia and North Korea have denied allegations that Pyongyang provided ammunition or weapons to the Russian forces.
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