North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on his industry to increase production of artillery shells. The Associated Press reported this, citing North Korean media, News.bg reports.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said that during his recent visits to unspecified munitions and machinery factories, Kim praised modernization efforts that have allowed the facilities to double their annual production capacity of shells.
The North Korean leader urged workers to further accelerate the production of artillery shells. He said the activity was important for strengthening the combat effectiveness of the country's armed forces.
Recent South Korean intelligence estimates suggest that North Korea has sent about 15,000 troops to Russia, and that nearly 5,000 of them have been killed or wounded while fighting Ukrainian forces. Washington and Seoul have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with various types of military equipment, including artillery systems, shells and ballistic missiles.
After denying its involvement in the war for months, North Korea confirmed in April for the first time that it had sent combat units to help Russia retake the Kursk region. Moscow also acknowledged North Korea's involvement, with Putin issuing a statement thanking the North for sending troops to support his forces and vowing not to forget their sacrifices.
According to analysts, North Korea's formal acknowledgement of its military support for Russia is likely intended to cement a deeper, long-term partnership with Moscow and secure greater compensation, potentially including advanced military technology that could increase the threat posed by Kim's nuclear armed forces.