Russia is receiving weapons from North Korea by sea for the war against Ukraine.

This is confirmed by the analysis of the Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies (RUSI).

The analysts examined dozens of satellite images over the past months.

The images indicate that Russia could have started a large-scale supply of ammunition from the DPRK.

The systematic movement of the Russian-flagged Angara and Maria was recorded between North Korea and Russia. They tried to conceal their movement by turning off their transponders.

According to RUSI, both cargo vessels are owned by companies linked to Russian military logistics networks.

These ships made at least five round trips between mid-August and October 14, transporting hundreds of containers between the Russian port in the village of Dunai, located about nine kilometers from the closed city of Fokino in Primorsky Krai, and the North Korean port of Rajin.

RUSI analysts and U.S. officials believe the ships are carrying weapons and ammunition.

Satellite imagery shows that after the ships were unloaded, containers of military equipment were transported by rail to a Russian arsenal near the city of Tikhoretsk, Krasnodar Krai, 290 kilometers from Ukraine. Analysts add that since August 2023, the Russian army’s ammunition storage facility has rapidly expanded on the outskirts of this Russian city.

On October 13, the United States reported that Russia received more than 1,000 containers of weapons and ammunition from North Korea.

In October, it was reported that the DPRK had increased rail shipments of unidentified cargo to Russia. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, stated that Russia receives 122 mm and 152 mm shells for cannon artillery and 122mm rockets for MRL from North Korea.

According to U.S. intelligence, Russia needs North Korean weapons to replenish its depleting stockpiles to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine.