North Korea has sent about 6,700 containers carrying millions of munitions to Russia since September in exchange for food as well as parts and raw materials for weapons manufacturing, officials have said.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told reporters that the containers might carry more than three million 152mm artillery shells or 500,000 122mm rounds.
He said hundreds of North Korean munitions factories are running at about 30 percent of their capacity due to a lack of raw materials and electricity, but those producing artillery shells for Russia were operating “at full swing”.
In return for the munitions, Russia provided North Korea with food, raw materials and parts used in weapons manufacturing, he said.
“It seems that food accounts for the largest proportion [of shipments from Russia], which is believed to have stabilised food prices in North Korea, with other necessities also included,” Shin said.
He added that the volume of containers shipped from Russia to North Korea appeared to be approximately 30 percent larger than those shipped from Pyongyang to Moscow in the same period.
Russia and North Korea’s relationship has become closer in recent years.
In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travelled to Russia for a summit with President Vladimir Putin and held talks on military cooperation and possible Russian help for Pyongyang’s satellite programme.
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