The United Kingdom has submitted satellite photographs of North Korean cargo shipments to Russia to a panel of United Nations (UN) experts. This move is part of an effort to initiate an official investigation into potential arms deals that violate international sanctions. The allegations suggest that North Korea has been supplying ballistic missiles and hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to the Russian government for its war in Ukraine. These claims gained traction after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Russia’s far east in September.
The bilateral relationship between North Korea and Russia seems to be expanding. Recently, Putin held a meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui during her rare, five-day trip to the Kremlin. According to a spokesperson from the Kremlin, the discussions focused on the “further development of our relations in all areas, including sensitive ones.”
An unpublished UK defense intelligence report, obtained by The Guardian, reveals satellite imagery taken between September and December. The images depict three Russian ships, named Maia, Angara, and Maria, loading containers at North Korea’s revived Najin port. These ships then transit to Russian ports in the far east. While the report does not specify the contents of the containers, it follows a recent announcement by the United States that ballistic missiles from North Korea were used by Russia in Ukraine.
The submission of these satellite photographs is a significant step towards triggering an official investigation into the alleged arms deals between North Korea and Russia. The UN panel of experts will now analyze the evidence provided by the UK and determine the appropriate course of action.