Satellite images have shown that Russia has supplied North Korea with over a million barrels of oil as payment for weapons and troops.
A UK-based research group has revealed that Russia has provided North Korea with more than one million barrels of oil since March 2024. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Open Source Centre indicates that North Korean tankers have made 43 trips to Russia's Far East, violating United Nations sanctions.
Experts suggest that this oil is payment for weapons and troops sent by North Korea to support Russia's war in Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described this exchange as a "direct threat" to security in Europe, the Korean Peninsula, and the Indo-Pacific.
The imagery shows tankers arriving empty at Russia's Vostochny Port and leaving nearly full. Researchers estimate the shipments exceed North Korea's annual oil cap set by the UN, which limits the country to 500,000 barrels per year. This steady supply gives Pyongyang a level of stability unseen since sanctions began in 2017.
The shipments coincide with reports of thousands of North Korean troops fighting in Russia. While Russia officially denies these transfers, former UN sanctions monitors have expressed concern over the growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Analysts warn that these transfers mark a "new level of contempt" for sanctions. Russia dismantled the UN panel monitoring such violations in March, further enabling these covert exchanges.
As ties deepen, experts fear Russia could supply Pyongyang with military technology, enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities. South Korea has vowed to respond firmly, warning that the partnership between Russia and North Korea poses a significant global threat.
chiboulevards on November 22nd, 2024 at 03:48 UTC »
I've never heard of The Motley Times... Is this is a credible source? I'm familiar with The Motley Fool but this doesn't seem related to that brand.
Evilbred on November 22nd, 2024 at 02:42 UTC »
North Koreans are conscripted.
North Korea sent Russia 10,000 soldiers.
That's 100 barrels of oil per soldier.
Oil is around $70 a barrel.
Russia paid $7000 per slave.
Active_Ear_2177 on November 22nd, 2024 at 02:07 UTC »
Satellite images reveal that North Korean ships have made 43 trips to Russia to transfer oil, in clear violation of UN sanctions—a claim Russia has denied. These transfers align with reports of North Korean troops and weapons being sent to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, fueling speculation that the oil serves as payment for this assistance.
Experts warn that these activities signal a deepening military alliance between the two nations, raising concerns that Russia may share advanced military technologies with North Korea.