Fact Check: North Korea supplied Russia with 120 long-range artillery systems amid conflict
What We Know
The claim that North Korea supplied Russia with 120 long-range artillery systems is currently unsubstantiated. As of October 2023, there have been various reports regarding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, credible sources have not confirmed the specific figure of 120 artillery systems being supplied.
Reports from multiple international news outlets have indicated that North Korea has been providing military supplies to Russia, including ammunition and other military equipment, but the exact nature and quantity of these supplies remain unclear (source-1). Additionally, the U.S. government has expressed concerns about the potential for North Korea to supply weapons to Russia, but again, specific details about the types and numbers of weapons have not been verified.
Analysis
The assertion that North Korea supplied 120 long-range artillery systems appears to be an exaggeration or misinterpretation of the available information. While there is evidence of military cooperation between the two nations, the specific claim lacks credible backing. Reliable sources such as government reports or reputable news organizations have not provided evidence to support the claim of such a large shipment of artillery systems.
Furthermore, the geopolitical context suggests that while North Korea may be inclined to support Russia, logistical challenges and international scrutiny could limit the scale of such military assistance. The reliability of sources discussing North Korea's military exports is often questionable, as many are state-controlled or lack independent verification (source-2). This raises concerns about the accuracy of claims made regarding military transactions.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that North Korea supplied Russia with 120 long-range artillery systems is not supported by credible evidence. While there are indications of military cooperation between the two countries, the specific figure mentioned lacks verification from reliable sources. Therefore, it is prudent to regard this claim as unfounded at this time.
