A major international report has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is secretly arming North Korea in violation of United Nations sanctions. The report, released by a global watchdog group based in Seoul, shows that Russia has sent North Korean leader Kim Jong-un powerful military equipment designed to protect against air attacks.
One of the most shocking claims is that Russia delivered Pantsir-S1 air defence systems to North Korea. These systems are mobile and can shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles using a combination of fast-firing cannons and surface-to-air missiles. They are commonly used in Russia to defend cities and military bases from drones and other threats. The Pantsir-S1 can attack targets between 1.2 and 20 kilometres away, making it very effective for short-range defence.
These deliveries reportedly started in November 2024, according to the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), which was formed after Russia vetoed the renewal of the United Nations’ panel that used to monitor North Korea’s military activities.
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The report doesn’t just accuse Russia of sending weapons—it also claims that North Korea has been supplying Russia with military supplies since September 2023. Over 20,000 containers full of weapons are believed to have been shipped. Inside those containers? An estimated 9 million artillery shells, hundreds of tactical missiles, and other ammunition. These supplies are reportedly being used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The military cargo planes used in these transfers include the Ilyushin IL-76 and Antonov AN-124, large aircraft capable of carrying tonnes of cargo across long distances. These flights were tracked between November and December 2023.
Even more worrying is the claim that Russia is helping North Korea improve its missile guidance technology. This would allow Kim’s missiles to hit targets much more accurately—a violation of international law. Russia had once agreed to ban this kind of military assistance when it supported earlier United Nations Security Council resolutions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has not commented directly on the MSMT’s findings, but his office has repeatedly warned against any country helping North Korea with weapons development.
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The report also uncovered that Russia sent North Korea over 1 million barrels of crude oil in 2024—double the amount allowed under UN sanctions. Oil is essential for powering military vehicles, factories, and infrastructure. Supplying more than the permitted amount could help North Korea further expand its military capabilities.
On another front, around 8,000 North Korean workers are reportedly now working in Russia. This is a direct breach of UN rules, which ban North Korea from sending labourers abroad because their wages often help fund its weapons programs. The labourers are believed to be working in industries like construction, mining, and factories.
The report also says that both countries are using South Ossetia, a breakaway region supported by Russia in Georgia, to hide financial transactions. This region is known for its loose financial controls, making it easier to send money between Russia and North Korea without drawing attention from global banks or sanctions enforcers.
The MSMT, created by U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, includes 11 member countries such as France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Their job is to keep watch over illegal trade with North Korea now that the official UN panel no longer operates.
