According to Vadym Skibitskyi, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence deputy head, North Korea has significantly reduced its artillery shell shipments to Russia, with deliveries dropping by more than half in 2024 due to depleted stockpiles. Since 2023, approximately 6.5 million shells were delivered, with no deliveries recorded in September. Simultaneously, North Korea has ramped up the mass production of FPV drones and medium-range combat UAVs, utilizing their experiences in the ongoing conflict to expand production capabilities. Additionally, Russia is planning to recruit 12,000 North Korean workers for drone assembly and reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces.
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During a visit to Prague, President Zelensky announced Ukraine anticipates receiving three million artillery shells from its allies, a crucial contribution to its defense against Russia. This substantial aid, including a Czech initiative delivering 1.8 million shells by 2025, counters Russia’s reliance on North Korean support. Zelensky emphasized that this aid stream, alongside a proposed 30-day ceasefire supported by Ukraine but rejected by Russia, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position and ultimately end the war. Moscow’s unwillingness to negotiate a comprehensive peace deal, however, remains a significant obstacle.
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High Representative Kallas announced that EU member states have already pledged two-thirds of the €5 billion needed to provide Ukraine with 2 million artillery shells, a key part of her initiative to bolster military aid. While significant progress has been made, further contributions are needed to reach the full target. The ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians necessitate increased pressure on Russia to end the war, Kallas emphasized. This commitment builds upon existing efforts, such as the Czech initiative and Norwegian funding, to ensure a continuous supply of munitions to Ukraine.
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Kpler data reveals that sanctioned Russian nuclear icebreakers, operated by Atomflot, facilitated the delivery of significant quantities of LNG from Yamal LNG to European companies, including Shell, TotalEnergies, and Naturgy. While direct payments to Atomflot by European entities haven’t been confirmed, indirect benefits via Yamal LNG raise legal and ethical concerns regarding sanctions compliance. Experts argue that these indirect links pose a high risk of sanctions violations, particularly given publicly available information on Atomflot’s icebreaking fees. Despite Shell and Naturgy asserting compliance, the situation underscores the ethical implications of profiting from Russia’s energy exports during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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In summary, Ukrainian strikes on Russian ammunition production facilities and other military targets have significantly reduced Russia’s daily artillery shell expenditure, nearly halving it from approximately 40,000 rounds to a much lower number. Simultaneously, Ukraine is bolstering its own arms production, currently manufacturing roughly one-third of its annual weapons needs, with the remainder supplied by Western allies. This increased domestic production is coupled with efforts to develop indigenous air defense systems, including those capable of countering advanced Russian missiles. Ukraine plans to invest a record $35 billion in weapons production in 2025.
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Germany’s latest military aid shipment to Ukraine includes thousands of artillery shells (155mm and 122mm), hundreds of combat and reconnaissance drones (HF-1, VECTOR, HEIDRUN, SONGBIRD), and various other supplies such as mortar shells and medical equipment. Further deliveries of armored fighting vehicles (Marder, Boxer, and MRAPs), self-propelled artillery (RCH 155), and the first of 54 ordered howitzers are also confirmed. This follows reported internal German government discussions concerning a substantial additional €3 billion weapons package.
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Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with over 100 short-range ballistic missiles and over 5 million artillery shells, including various artillery systems. This arms transfer, ongoing since last month, follows a visit by the Russian defense minister to Pyongyang, signifying deepening military cooperation between the two nations. The substantial North Korean military aid is believed to bolster Russia’s efforts to regain territory lost in Kursk Oblast, a key objective before potential peace negotiations. North Korea has also reportedly deployed over 10,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort.
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A Dutch appeals court has overturned a 2021 ruling that required Shell to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030, upholding the company’s appeal. While acknowledging climate change as a human right, the court determined that Shell, while responsible for emission reductions, has the right to decide how those cuts will be made. Although the court acknowledged the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it deemed Shell’s existing emissions reduction plans sufficient. Friends of the Earth Netherlands, the organization that initiated the lawsuit, expressed disappointment but maintains its commitment to holding major polluters accountable for their role in climate change.
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The revelation that North Korea is supplying half of all Russian artillery shells used in Ukraine is a disturbing development, to say the least. It prompts questions about the extent of North Korean stockpiles and the impact of this on their own military capabilities. It’s ironic that while Ukraine faces consequences for using bombs from the US on Russia, Russia is sourcing artillery shells from a country as notorious as North Korea.
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un raises eyebrows, especially with the insensitive nickname “King Kong” being used, equating Kim Jong Un to an ape.… Continue reading
Russia is producing artillery shells around three times faster than Ukraine’s Western allies and for about a quarter of the cost. This news is indeed concerning, as it indicates a significant shift towards a wartime economy in Russia. The implications of such rapid production of artillery shells are alarming, especially when considering the potential consequences of this increased military output. It raises questions about Russia’s intentions and capabilities in conflict zones, with the possibility of further land grabs and destabilization in the region.
The idea of saturation firing, which requires more shells than firing at precise targets, highlights the difference in tactics and approaches between Russia and its Western counterparts.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker