Since March 2024, Russia has supplied over 1 million barrels of oil to North Korea, as confirmed by satellite imagery of tankers transporting oil between Russian Far East ports and North Korean destinations.
In the past eight months, more than a dozen North Korean tankers have completed 43 trips between a Russian oil terminal and North Korean ports. Satellite images show the tankers arriving in Russia empty and leaving fully loaded.
In return, North Korea has been supplying ammunition and deploying troops, including in Russia’s Kursk region. These steady oil shipments have allowed North Korea to maintain stability, despite international sanctions that limit its annual imports to 500,000 barrels of oil.
This collaboration highlights the pressing need for tougher sanctions against Russia and its allies. These partnerships enable both nations to bypass restrictions, undermining international sanctions and fueling continued aggression. Strengthened global efforts are necessary to cut off these resources, prevent further destabilization, and bring accountability to violators.
