North Korean Potential Supply of Artillery Munitions to Russia for Ukraine War Analyzed by U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to capture international attention, the recent meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised speculations about North Korea potentially supplying artillery munitions to Russia for the war effort. However, U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, remains skeptical about the potential impact of this support.

Gen. Milley, who was in Norway for NATO meetings focused partially on the Ukraine conflict, acknowledged the possibility of North Korea providing Soviet-era 152 mm artillery rounds to Moscow as a result of the Kim-Putin meeting. Yet, he emphasized that the significance of such assistance remains uncertain.

“While we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of any arms supply, I doubt that it would be decisive,” Gen. Milley told reporters accompanying him. This cautious stance reflects the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where various foreign governments and experts have speculated on potential arms exchanges between North Korea and Russia.

The NATO meetings, hosted at the Holmenkollen ski area on the outskirts of Oslo, involve defense chiefs from NATO countries gathering to discuss support for Ukraine and other regional defense matters. Amid the slow progress of Ukrainian forces in breaking through Russian battle lines during their counteroffensive, the need for advanced weapons, including longer-range missiles, has become increasingly pressing for Kyiv.

Adm. Rob Bauer of the Netherlands, chair of the NATO Military Committee, acknowledged Ukraine’s transformative role in modern warfare. He noted that Ukrainian forces continue to advance, while Russian forces face mounting challenges, including economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Gen. Milley underlined the ongoing necessity for additional weapons and equipment in Ukraine, and he expressed confidence in broad bipartisan support within the United States and the U.S. Congress for providing aid to Ukraine.

However, challenges related to military weapons production have led to increased prices and limitations on available ammunition and other stocks. Adm. Bauer highlighted the delicate balance that allies must strike when considering arms donations, as it could impact their own readiness.

While most nations entered the conflict with substantial weapon stockpiles, Ukraine’s immense requirements have strained the supply chain. The gap between what Ukraine needs and what industry can provide has raised concerns about the sustainability of aid efforts.

In the United States, lawmakers are grappling with divisions over providing additional assistance to Ukraine, particularly as the war enters its second year. President Joe Biden has proposed a substantial package for military aid and humanitarian support, but political differences are complicating the issue.

The upcoming visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the United States for the U.N. General Assembly will likely thrust the issue into the spotlight in Washington.

Beyond Ukraine, the NATO chiefs of defense are convening a smaller gathering of Western and Indo-Pacific military leaders to explore lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict and their potential applicability in the Pacific region. This group, including defense chiefs from various nations, reflects NATO’s growing concern about China as a key national security challenge, particularly its aggressive military expansion near Taiwan.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, coupled with global concerns about Russia’s actions, underscores the importance of addressing regional crises while safeguarding the rules-based international order established since the end of World War II.

Regarding North Korea’s potential role in the conflict, it’s worth noting that North Korean artillery systems are known for their poor accuracy, which could limit their effectiveness if supplied to Russia. Nevertheless, the dynamics of international involvement in the Ukraine conflict remain complex and evolving, and the impact of such potential assistance remains to be seen.

This article is based on information from various sources, including U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, Adm. Rob Bauer, and international experts, and provides an analysis of the potential implications of North Korean support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

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