Kim Jong Un Calls for Increased Artillery Production to Aid Russia in Ukraine War
Kim Jong Un urges North Korea to boost artillery shell production to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The KCNA reports modernization efforts to double production capacity. Meanwhile, South Korea and Japan accuse North Korea of missile preparations. Geopolitical analysts speculate on the potential for deeper military collaboration between the two nations.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a significant increase in the production of artillery shells, emphasizing that the move will bolster support for Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that in recent factory visits, he commended modernization efforts aimed at doubling the nation’s annual shell production capacity.
This latest development comes as South Korea and Japan have accused North Korea of preparing missiles for Russia, particularly after a series of rocket launches in the Sea of Japan earlier this week. The relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow has notably strengthened over the past two years, with approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly deployed to the Russian frontlines following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.
While KCNA has not directly quoted Kim Jong Un’s stance on President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Un emphasized the necessity of enhancing the fighting capacity of the North Korean armed forces during his factory visits. This highlights North Korea’s commitment to supporting Russia in its long-term military endeavors.
Intelligence reports from South Korea have revealed that North Korea has suffered significant casualties among its deployed troops, estimating around 5,000 losses in the conflict against Ukrainian forces. Interestingly, it was last month that North Korea publicly confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia, assisting in military operations towards reclaiming territory in the Kursk region.
In the context of this situation, geopolitical analysts are suggesting that the mutual acknowledgment of military assistance between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin marks the potential for future collaborations—likely through exchanges that may benefit both countries militarily. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, in a private briefing to lawmakers, noted that approximately 15,000 North Korean workers have been sent to Russia under cooperative industrial agreements.
Notably, reports indicate a lack of direct payment from Russia in exchange for North Korean support, hinting that Russia may be compensating North Korea with military technology such as air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, and drones instead.
In summary, Kim Jong Un’s push for increased ammunition production underscores North Korea’s strengthened ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. As military collaboration grows, the region remains on alert, particularly as intelligence highlights significant North Korean troop involvement and casualties on the frontlines. The evolving dynamics between North Korea and Russia may alter geopolitical landscapes in unpredictable ways.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
