Fact Check: North Korea has become a significant military partner to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, providing artillery shells, missiles, and troops in exchange for oil products and advanced military technology.

Fact Check: North Korea's Military Support to Russia in Ukraine

What We Know

North Korea has indeed become a significant military partner to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with a substantial amount of military equipment, including artillery shells and missiles, while also deploying troops to support Russian forces. According to a Reuters investigation, millions of North Korean artillery shells have been shipped to the frontlines in Ukraine, and North Korean troops have been actively engaged in combat alongside Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region. Ukrainian military intelligence estimates that around 14,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, with heavy casualties reported among them (Reuters).

Furthermore, North Korea's military contributions are said to provide Russia with a critical advantage in its ongoing conflict, with some estimates suggesting that North Korean munitions account for up to 70% of the artillery used by certain Russian units (Reuters). In exchange for these military supplies, North Korea is reportedly receiving oil products and advanced military technology from Russia (Kyiv Post).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that North Korea is a significant military partner to Russia is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The Reuters investigation is particularly noteworthy due to its comprehensive analysis of shipping data, intercepted communications, and corroborating reports from Ukrainian military officials. This multi-faceted approach enhances the reliability of their findings.

Moreover, the Kyiv Post and CNN corroborate the claims regarding North Korea's military support and the nature of the exchanges between the two countries. The reports from these outlets highlight the strategic importance of North Korean artillery in Russia's military operations, particularly in the context of a protracted war of attrition where artillery fire is crucial.

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources. While Reuters and the Kyiv Post are generally regarded as reputable news organizations, the geopolitical context may influence the framing of the narratives. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the international sanctions against both Russia and North Korea create a charged atmosphere where information can be selectively reported to support specific narratives.

Despite these considerations, the convergence of evidence from various independent sources strongly supports the claim. The RAND Corporation also highlights the unprecedented level of North Korean involvement in the conflict, further validating the assertion that North Korea has become a key military ally to Russia.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that North Korea has become a significant military partner to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources. North Korea's provision of artillery shells, missiles, and troops, in exchange for oil products and military technology, reflects a deepening military cooperation that has critical implications for the ongoing conflict.

Sources

1. Inside North Korea's vast operation to help Russia's war on Ukraine
2. Russia-North Korea Relations
3. North Korean leader urges increased artillery shell production amid ...
4. Over Half of North Korean Troops Fighting in Kursk Killed or Injured ...
5. North Korean artillery now dominates Russia's ammunition ...
6. Dealing with North Korea as It Deepens Military Cooperation with Russia
7. What North Korea has sent to Russia, report finds
8. North Korea 'supplying Russia' with long-range rocket and artillery systems