Fact Check: "North Korea has sent over 10 million artillery shells to Russia!"
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that North Korea has been involved in supplying military aid to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korea has shipped over a million artillery shells to Russia since August 2023 to support its military efforts (AP News). This claim was made during a closed-door briefing attended by South Korean lawmakers, who noted that these shipments could significantly enhance Russia's warfighting capabilities (AP News).
Further reports suggest that North Korea has ramped up its artillery shell production, operating its munitions factories at full capacity to meet Russian demands (Stripes). However, there are conflicting reports regarding the total number of shells sent. Some sources claim that North Korea may have sent as many as 9 million shells to Russia, but this figure is not universally accepted and lacks corroboration from independent sources (Hankyoreh).
Analysis
The claim that North Korea has sent over 10 million artillery shells to Russia appears to be exaggerated based on the available evidence. The most credible and widely reported figure is over a million shells sent since August 2023, as stated by the NIS (AP News). The assertion of 10 million shells seems to stem from a misinterpretation or inflation of the actual reports, which primarily focus on the 1 million figure and the ongoing production increases.
The reliability of the sources reporting these figures varies. The AP News article is based on official intelligence briefings, which, while credible, can sometimes be influenced by political motivations (AP News). In contrast, the report from Hankyoreh, which mentions 9 million shells, lacks the same level of official backing and should be treated with caution (Hankyoreh).
Moreover, the context of North Korea's military production and its relationship with Russia is complex, involving various forms of military aid and technology exchanges. The NIS has a mixed record in accurately tracking North Korean military developments due to the regime's strict information control (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that North Korea has sent over 10 million artillery shells to Russia is False. The most substantiated reports indicate that North Korea has supplied over a million shells since August 2023. The figure of 10 million lacks credible support and appears to be an exaggeration of the available data.
