Russia Supplying Over a Million Barrels of Oil to North Korea in Exchange for Troops and Weapons, Report Reveals
Russia has reportedly delivered over a million barrels of oil to North Korea since March 2024, a move believed to be payment for weapons and troops supplied by Pyongyang to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. This revelation comes from a satellite image analysis conducted by the UK-based Open Source Centre and was shared with the BBC.
The oil transfers directly violate United Nations sanctions, which restrict oil sales to North Korea to a meager 500,000 barrels annually. These sanctions are designed to limit North Korea’s ability to bolster its nuclear program.
Oil for Weapons and Soldiers
The satellite images show North Korean oil tankers docking at Russia’s Vostochny Port 43 times over the past eight months. These vessels were observed arriving empty and departing nearly full, carrying oil back to North Korea. Analysts estimate these tankers were loaded to 90% of their capacity, suggesting over a million barrels of oil have been delivered—far exceeding the UN-imposed limit.
“Kim Jong Un is throwing Vladimir Putin a lifeline with troops and munitions, and Russia is quietly returning the favor,” explained Joe Byrne, a researcher at the Open Source Centre. “This oil provides North Korea with a stability it hasn’t experienced since the sanctions were first enacted.”
Violating Sanctions with Impunity
Not only are these shipments in breach of international sanctions, but many of the vessels used for the transfers have also been individually sanctioned by the UN. Despite this, Russia has allowed the ships to operate freely in its waters.
In a controversial move earlier this year, Russia disbanded the UN panel responsible for monitoring sanctions violations. Experts say this effectively removed any oversight of North Korea’s oil imports.
Hugh Griffiths, a former UN sanctions panel leader, warned that this exchange is bolstering Putin’s war effort. “This is oil in exchange for artillery, missiles, and soldiers,” he said.
A Lifeline for North Korea
North Korea, heavily reliant on coal for its civilian needs, uses oil primarily for its military operations, including fueling missile launchers, transporting troops, and powering munitions factories. The sanctioned cap of 500,000 barrels annually falls far short of the nine million barrels the country needs.
In the past, North Korea has resorted to risky and expensive methods like ship-to-ship oil transfers in international waters to secure its supply. However, direct oil shipments from Russia now provide the regime with a cheaper and more reliable source.
“This arrangement is a game-changer for Kim Jong Un,” said Dr. Go Myong-hyun, a senior researcher at South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy. “It’s likely the oil is free, given the strategic value of the weapons and troops Pyongyang is supplying.”
Broader Implications
As North Korea intensifies its support for Russia, questions are mounting about what Pyongyang might receive in return beyond oil. Intelligence reports suggest North Korea has sent 16,000 shipping containers filled with artillery shells and rockets to Moscow, while remnants of North Korean ballistic missiles have been found on Ukrainian battlefields.
There are growing fears that Russia could provide Pyongyang with advanced military technology, including satellite and missile capabilities. South Korea’s defense minister recently warned of a “high likelihood” that North Korea is seeking such assistance.
Experts see this escalating partnership as part of a troubling trend. “Autocratic regimes like Russia and North Korea are increasingly aligning to defy international norms,” said Eric Penton-Voak, a former UN sanctions monitor. “This could have dangerous consequences far beyond Ukraine.”
A Dangerous Alliance
The oil shipments are just one facet of an expanding alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. As Russian President Vladimir Putin deepens ties with North Korea, the international community watches with concern, wary of the broader geopolitical ramifications.
“This oil-for-weapons exchange sets a disturbing precedent,” warned Andrei Lankov, an expert in North Korea-Russia relations. “The stakes are higher than ever, and the implications could ripple across regions.”
While Russia’s foreign ministry has remained silent on the matter, the evidence points to a growing partnership that challenges global sanctions and raises the specter of new security threats.
