North Korea drastically reduces arms supplies to russia - experts in field of weapons and military equipment

The supply of North Korean weapons to russia slowed down sharply in January.

It was reported by the NK News portal of the Republic of Korea, citing sources.

In the past month, only one russian ship, probably involved in a military supply scheme, has entered the port of Rason in the northeast of the DPRK, according to Planet Labs satellite imagery. The vessel docked on January 14 at a berth associated with the export of weapons to the DPRK for the war in Ukraine.

Analysis of the hull parameters indicates that it could be one of the two russian ships Angara or Lady R, which are under sanctions. These vessels have previously played a key role in the transportation of weapons.

This is the first recorded visit of a russian vessel to Rason since December 21. At the same time, containers began to accumulate at the berth from December 27 to 31, or two weeks before the ship's visit. No new containers were recorded at the berth after January 19.

From October to December, russian vessels called at least three times a month. In January, the activity decreased sharply. A similar drop was observed in January 2025.

The reason could be weather conditions, NK News writes. Usually, cargoes from Rason are delivered to the Vostochny port in the russian Far East. In early January, the harbor was partially free of ice, but by January 24, it was almost completely frozen.

This could pose a risk to the navigation of small vessels. Satellite images show low activity among large ships as well. Severe frosts and heavy snowfalls over the past 20 years have also affected Vladivostok and Nakhodka, although the port of Rason itself has remained ice-free.

Political reasons could also have contributed to the slowdown in supplies. According to NK News, Pyongyang could suspend operations in Rason amid preparations for the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, which is scheduled for the first half of February.

The congress may discuss new guidelines for the country's military and foreign policy. The situation could also be influenced by negotiations between the United States, russia, and Ukraine.

Since 2023, the DPRK has supplied russia with 6.5 to 8 million artillery rounds, which could cover up to half of the needs of the russian army, NK News reports. The deliveries included about 250 KN-23 ballistic missiles, long-range Koksan guns, 240 and 107 mm multiple launch rocket systems, 60 and 140 mm mortars, cluster munitions, and 100 mm 5-pounder shells for tanks.

The last confirmed attack using a KN-23 missile or the russian Iskander-M system was recorded by the Ukrainian side on December 13. There has been no new information on the use of North Korean ballistic missiles since then.

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