Russia turns to old ally North Korea to resupply arsenal for war in Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang in what the US saw as part of Moscow’s efforts to negotiate for supplies of North Korean munitions for its war in Ukraine (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

After a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine, Russia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition so, as well as ramping up its domestic arms production, Moscow is turning to an old ally with a vast arsenal – North Korea.

Estimates say the reclusive and isolated Asian country has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.