A dormant North Korean port near the Russian border has reawakened, revealing a surge in arms trade destined for Ukraine, according to experts. Satellite imagery from Najin port, spanning October to December, indicates a consistent flow of ships, hundreds of loaded and unloaded shipping containers, and prepared rail cars for transporting goods.
The activity intensified since early October when the US accused North Korea of shipping munitions to Russia. The US provided imagery allegedly showing weapons transported to a depot in the Russian town of Tikhoretsk, intended for use in Ukraine.
The US and South Korea claim that this flow of munitions, including hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, could significantly impact the conflict in Ukraine. However, divisions in the US Congress and the European Union over military aid pose a threat to Kyiv’s defense capabilities.
A report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a UK security think tank, emphasizes the potential danger posed by North Korea’s involvement in supplying arms. Despite being banned from arms sales for about 15 years, North Korea denies accusations of supplying Russia.
Satellite data analysis indicates ongoing cargo vessel trips between Najin, North Korea, and Dunay, Russia. While the nature of the cargo remains unconfirmed, the number of trips and transferred containers suggests a substantial exchange, possibly involving weapons and military supplies.
As the North Korea-Russia trade flourishes, the flow of US military aid to Ukraine faces increasing threats. The Pentagon warns of running out of funds to replace weapons sent to Ukraine by December 30 unless Congress approves additional funding, an unlikely scenario during year-end holidays.
With an effective battlefield stalemate, Russia aims to consolidate control over occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine, anticipating a decline in international support for Ukraine. The Kremlin’s confidence is growing as Putin states, “there’ll be peace when we achieve our goals.”
While Najin port exhibits steady activity, vessels docking there seem to switch off international maritime transponders, turning them into “ghost ships” during the relatively short trip between Najin and Dunay. RUSI’s report, based on high-resolution images, identifies cargo vessels making repeated trips, potentially carrying North Korean arms sent across Russia.
The trade reportedly continues despite sanctions and widespread reporting, indicating a flow of weapons and supplies. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported about ten shipments of weapons from North Korea to Russia since August, likely totaling over one million rounds of artillery.
The significance lies in the potential impact on the battlefield, allowing Russia to maintain higher pressure on Ukrainian forces. Experts suggest an additional one million shells could mean approximately 2,700 more rounds fired per day at Ukraine, exacerbating Kyiv’s challenge in procuring artillery.
While the precise quantity North Korea can deliver remains uncertain, experts anticipate a slowdown once inventories deplete, given North Korea’s limited manufacturing capabilities. The rekindled ties between North Korea and Russia, driven by shared interests and eased Covid protections, are likely to continue into the next year.
*By Bloomberg, Hindustan Times World News*
