In a strange new twist in the ongoing ammunition search by Ukraine, the press allegedly learned that Kyiv is striking Russian positions with North Korean produced rockets. Markings on a cache of rockets reportedly indicate they were manufactured in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the 1980s or 1990s.
These rockets have been in use since the mid-1960s. A BM-21 (is a self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher designed in the Soviet Union) can fire its full load of 40 rockets in 20 seconds. This system has been widely used by both sides during the Ukrainian war. The challenge is the rockets tend to be problematic, with a reputation for duds and misfires, and soldiers are warned to not stand nearby when launching. Even though unreliable, the Ukrainian military continues to use them. “We have no choice, we need every rocket we can get,” said one team leader.
Rocket Acquisition
The question remains, how did Kyiv acquire the rockets? Analysts are not sure. Ukraine’s defense ministry suggests the rockets were captured from the Russians positions. The North Korean weapons were shown by Ukrainian troops operating Soviet-era Grad multiple-launch rocket systems near the eastern city of Bakhmut. When questioned about the rockets, the Ukrainian soldiers stated the munitions were seized by a “friendly” country before being delivered to Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last week that North Korea’s “firm support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine emboldens the two countries’ determination to cope with Western nations. In another peculiar twist, North Korea grew a conscience two weeks ago, condemning the U.S. for sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. They referred to the decision as a “criminal act” and demanding an immediate withdrawal of the policy and ammunition.
Iranian rounds also used by Ukraine
In another strange twist, an OSINT (Open-source intelligence) specialist discovered the Ukrainian military shelling Russian invasion forces with Iranian-made 122-mm shells produced this year. In a Twitter posting by @war_noir, a photo showed shells inscribed with messages from Ukrainian gunners to Russian soldiers. However, the rounds also displayed lot numbers and 2023 as the manufacturing year.
Evidently, this is not the first time Ukrainian soldiers were photographed with Iranian-produced munitions. In September 2022, a video of OF-462 high-explosive fragmentation projectiles from Iran was posted on-line.
Like the Korean munitions, it is unknown how the Iranian rounds made their way to Ukraine. It has been suggested they had been confiscated by the U.S. military from Iranian ships heading to the Middle Eastern state of Yemen.
Russia Threatens Nukes, Again
Over the weekend, Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Security Council member, former president and former prime minister provided another new nuclear warning. Discussing the Ukrainian counteroffensive on Sunday, Medvedev stated, “Just imagine that the offensive… in tandem with NATO, succeeded and ended up with part of our land being taken away. Then we would have to use nuclear weapons by virtue of the stipulations of the Russian Presidential Decree.”
Medvedev added, “There simply wouldn’t be any other solution,” and “Our enemies should pray to our fighters that they do not allow the world to go up in nuclear flames.”
U.S. Thoughts on the North Korean Ammunition
Last November, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, stated the DPRK was covertly shipping artillery shells to Russia in support of the Ukraine war. Kirby did not confirm types or quantities of ammunition – but stated it was a “significant number.” In the spring, Kirby stated Washington had evidence Moscow was negotiating to provide Pyongyang with food in exchange for weapons. At that time, the secretary also alleged Pyongyang was selling rockets to Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner group during the battle to capture Bakhmut.
There have been no formal comments on the North Korean rockets. However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Saturday the U.S. believes the Russia’s defense minister was in North Korea to secure more weapons. The Secretary said Russia is scrambling to buy arms from allies across the world. Regarding Sergei Shoigu’s trip to Pyongyang, Blinken added, “I strongly doubt he’s there on holiday.”
