The KSE Institute reports that shipments from Russia’s primary military storage fields have dropped from 242,000 tonnes in 2022 to 119,000 tonnes in 2025. Pavlo Shkurenko, a defense analyst at KSE, stated, “Russia is now sending less materiel for refurbishment and repair than repair stations can handle. The best equipment is already gone.”

Old tanks such as T-72s, T-80s, and even T-54s have seen deployment in Ukraine. But with the more easily restored vehicles exhausted, supply lines have slowed. Despite this, analysts warn against interpreting the reduced vehicle flow as diminished combat effectiveness. Franz-Stefan Gady, a Vienna-based expert, noted Russia is adapting its tactics and stockpiling newer ammunition.

This logistical transition has made Russia dependent on imports. China now provides essential components and machinery, and explosive shipments from Iran are also suspected, particularly via logistics nodes near the Caspian Sea.

North Korea Emerges As Critical Ammunition Supplier

The most significant shift is Russia’s growing dependence on North Korea. Explosive materials shipped from the Nakhodka region accounted for 52% of Russia’s relevant imports in 2024, rising from virtually zero before the war. Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov estimated that 40% of Russia’s artillery ammunition is now North Korean in origin.

South Korean intelligence has further reported that Pyongyang shipped around 28,000 containers to Russia, including artillery, howitzers, ballistic missiles—and reportedly troops. Analysts believe the goal is to allow Russia to sustain current fire rates while preserving higher-quality domestic munitions for potential future conflict with NATO.

Despite Chinese hesitance to overtly arm Moscow, its industrial exports have nearly doubled to support Russian defense manufacturing since 2021. According to KSE analyst Lucas Risinger, “Even if they claim they’re not sending lethal aid, China is supplying Russia with the machinery and components it needs to keep the war machine running.”