North Korea has supplied Russia with more than 12 million artillery shells and vast quantities of other munitions since the beginning of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to data from South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The shipments mark a significant deepening of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow amid Russia’s continued offensive.

Responding to an inquiry from South Korean lawmaker Kang Daeshik, the DIA said North Korea had sent over 28,000 containers of artillery shells and related munitions to Russia, estimating these supplies amount to roughly 12 million 152-millimeter artillery rounds. “North Korea is continuing to supply weapons to Russia,” the agency confirmed, adding that Seoul is monitoring the situation with allied nations.

North Korea’s involvement goes beyond artillery shells. Reports indicate Pyongyang has also provided missiles, self-propelled guns, and even combat personnel to assist Russia’s war effort. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said North Korean supplies now account for as much as 40% of Russia’s total ammunition consumption in Ukraine. He described the weapons as “good weapons” that bolster Russia’s military capabilities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently visited Pyongyang, where North Korea reaffirmed its support for Russia’s war and Kremlin leadership. According to Budanov, Moscow is compensating Pyongyang with money and technological aid, helping North Korea reduce its isolation and strengthen its position despite international sanctions.

The revelations highlight the deepening strategic ties between two of the West’s most heavily sanctioned states, posing new challenges for Ukraine and its allies as they face a prolonged war of attrition.