(USNewsMag.com) – South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik is claiming North Korea shipped containers with as many as 4.8 million artillery shells to Russia.
Won-sik stated that 10,000 containers were seen being shipped to Russia from North Korea, adding that Pyongyang, North Korea, has supplied dozens of ballistic missiles to Russia.
Though some critics note North Korea’s artillery is “substandard” and less advanced than artillery by Western countries such as the U.S., 5 million rounds is enough to support a large-scale offensive despite the differences.
In exchange for their help, Russia is allegedly providing North Korea with oil, satellite technology, and technology to help improve their aircraft and tanks.
However, any agreements between North Korea and Russia for armaments violate United Nations sanctions.
This is not the first time North Korea has shipped artillery to Russia. In a March statement, Won-sik said North Korea had previously sent 7,000 containers of ammunition to Russia. At least 10 North Korea-made missiles have been launched at Ukraine since September, according to a March statement from U.S. officials. However, despite the evidence, both North Korea and Russia continue to deny that North Korea is supplying any weapons to Russia.
The potential shipment comes nine months after Kim Jong Un reportedly traveled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia and before Putin’s June 18 visit to North Korea. This was the first time Putin had visited North Korea since 2000, when he met with Kim’s predecessor, his late father Kim Jong Il.
During the June 18 visit, Russia and North Korea signed a new strategic partnership, replacing the deals signed between the two countries in 1961, 2000, and 2001.
Putin stated that the new agreement includes a “provision of mutual assistance” if either country comes under attack. Putin referred to the new deal as “truly a breakthrough document.”
Kim said the new partnership is a “watershed moment in the development of the bilateral relations.”
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