Kim, Give Me Ammo: Will Putin Receive Weapons From DPRK?

• 12.09.2023, 14:03

Now Pyongyang is in a difficult situation, so it would be beneficial for Kim Jong-un to use the Russian Federation.

The visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russian Vladivostok is due to negotiations with Putin on the transfer of weapons and ammunition from North Korean warehouses to Russia. For the DPRK, Russia is already a cash cow, and here it is even more so. In exchange for weapons, North Korea will receive economic carrots. Ukrainian international political scientist Dmytro Levus told Apostrophe in more detail about Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia.

The visit of the head of the DPRK will be fruitful for Putin. Moreover, there was a certain approval for the provision of weapons from China. At the same time, some diplomats from Central Asian countries say that sometimes one should not exaggerate the influence of the PRC on the DPRK. Yes, it exists globally, but there are certain things where the DPRK, given the psychology of its dictator, is able to do what Kim Jong-un wants.

Considering that Kim Jong-un arrived in Russia in person, and before that there were several significant visits, for example, Shoigu to Pyongyang a few months ago, it can be assumed that the parties are closer to ensuring that arms assistance to Russia becomes systemic. Moreover, this is too great a temptation for the DPRK. Now Pyongyang is in a very difficult situation, so using Russia is very useful for them. They already perceive Russia as a cash cow. So, not taking advantage of the situation now would be out of Kim Jong-un’s style.

What in return? They will demand something from Russia economically — perhaps food supplies.

What weapon

According to experts, the DPRK has very large reserves of not so much weapons as Soviet-style ammunition. These are mainly artillery ammunition. This also includes ammunition for small arms, tactical missiles, and, by and large, modernization of Soviet or Chinese systems. The supply of armored personnel carriers is also possible, which was discussed during Shoigu’s visit.

At the same time, this weapon may not be of very high quality, and this is evidenced by absolutely fair assessments. The quality of the ammunition may also prevent its full use in Russian systems.

But we must understand that now Putin has set the task of prolonging the war as much as possible — that is, a war of attrition. And in this context, the opening of North Korean warehouses is very important for the Russians. That is, this is not necessarily a high-quality weapon, but it is suitable for a massively mobilized army.

New sanctions

North Korea is a clinical case. Because for Iran itself, relations with Russia and Putin are becoming too toxic. North Korea, on the contrary, feels like a big player.