Half of Russia's shells used in Ukraine supplied by North Korea

North Korea has become a key supplier of artillery shells to Russia in its war against Ukraine, with half of Russia's artillery ammunition reportedly coming from Pyongyang. According to Western intelligence sources cited by The Times on October 4, around 3 million shells are shipped annually from North Korea to Russia. While many of these munitions are thought to be faulty, the sheer volume has had a significant impact on Russia's military operations, including the recent capture of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast.

With Russia's ammunition stocks dwindling due to prolonged combat in Ukraine, North Korea has emerged as Moscow's top external supplier. In August, Yonhap reported that North Korea had sent containers to Russia that may contain more than 6 million artillery shells. In return, Russia has reportedly provided North Korea with technology for satellite deployment, as well as military equipment like tanks and aircraft.

The partnership between the two nations was solidified in June when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a cooperation agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This agreement included mutual assistance in case of an attack on either country. Additionally, North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, although many of these missiles have been unreliable, with around half malfunctioning during use, according to a report by Reuters in May.

Russians prepare offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to cut off Ukrainian military logistics

Ukraine's defense forces are anticipating an intensification of Russian assault operations near the settlements of Orikhiv and Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. According to Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern defense forces, these attacks are expected in the coming days as Russian troops aim to gain fire control over critical Ukrainian logistics routes.

The focal point of concern is the "Robotyne bulge," a strategically significant area near Orikhiv and Nova Tokmachka. Should Russian forces break through in this area, they could gain control over the logistical routes connecting Zaporizhzhia to the east, where Ukrainian forces are defending positions in Donetsk and the southern part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This would severely disrupt Ukrainian supply lines.

Voloshyn noted that new assault groups are being assembled near Orikhiv and Robotyne, with Russian forces deploying personnel, conducting reconnaissance, and bolstering logistical support for the anticipated offensive. Ukrainian intelligence suggests that these preparations indicate an imminent escalation of assaults in the area.

Six North Korean officer killed near Donetsk

On October 3, a missile strike in Russian-occupied territory near the city of Donetsk killed over 20 military personnel, including six North Korean officers, according to Ukrainian intelligence reports shared by KyivPost and Interfax-Ukraine. The North Korean officers were reportedly in the area for consultations with Russian counterparts.

In addition to the fatalities, three North Korean soldiers were injured in the strike. Prior to the missile attack, Russian forces were allegedly showcasing their preparation for assault and defense operations to the North Korean representatives. This incident underscores the increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in military matters, as North Korean personnel appear to be involved in operational exchanges with Russian forces.