North Korea has supplied Russia with more than 200 long-range artillery pieces since the start of the Ukraine war, according to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.
During a briefing to the National Assembly’s Defense Committee on February 11, the ministry reported that North Korea’s military assistance to Russia includes approximately 200 long-range artillery pieces, over 11,000 troops, and a significant quantity of ammunition. The ministry also warned that additional supplies of troops, weapons, and munitions could follow.
Regarding North Korea’s internal situation, the ministry stated, “Following the deployment of troops to the Ukraine war, North Korea continues its military and ammunition support for Russia,” adding that Pyongyang is engaging in “rhetorical condemnations and military demonstrations under its ‘strongest response to the U.S.’ strategy.”
This updated estimate marks an increase from November 2024, when South Korean National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik first disclosed North Korea’s artillery support to Russia, estimating the number at “more than 160 pieces.” The rise in figures suggests that Pyongyang has since provided additional military aid.
The defense ministry also noted that 2024 marks the final year of North Korea’s five-year national defense development plan, predicting that Pyongyang will focus on advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities while modernizing its conventional forces with Russian support. The ministry is particularly monitoring the possibility of Russia transferring advanced military technologies to North Korea, including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reentry capabilities and nuclear-powered submarine technology, in exchange for Pyongyang’s support.
Meanwhile, the ministry assessed North Korea’s recent missile launches and leader Kim Jong-un’s publicized visits to nuclear facilities as an attempt to strengthen its strategic position ahead of potential negotiations with the United States. Pyongyang has yet to respond to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent favorable remarks about Kim.
Toward South Korea, North Korea has maintained its disruptive activities, including GPS signal jamming, while closely observing South Korea’s domestic political landscape.
BY MOONGYU CHO, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
