North Korea's munitions factories are reportedly operating at full capacity to produce weapons and shells for Russia, with South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik mentioning that Pyongyang has shipped about 6,700 containers to Russia since August. In exchange for these munitions, Russia is providing food and other necessities to North Korea. Additionally, the US State Department stated that North Korea has delivered over 10,000 containers of munitions or related materials to Russia since September.

The deliveries are crucial for Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, with Moscow in need of fresh supplies of ammunition and shells to sustain its war effort. Both sides in the conflict continue to exchange heavy fire on a daily basis, depleting ammunition supplies. The recent advances in Avdiivka highlight Russia's ability to pressure Ukrainian forces despite facing heavy losses due to its sheer size, troop capacity, and aerial superiority.

Ukraine faces challenges such as manpower constraints and dwindling ammunition supplies from the West. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US lawmakers to approve President Joe Biden's $60 billion aid request, warning that without US aid, Ukraine will struggle to make gains on the battlefield and may face difficulties defending itself.

The munitions deliveries from North Korea to Russia have escalated since a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September, signaling closer relations amidst international isolation for both nations. These deliveries have raised concerns among intelligence officials, who worry about the growing ties between North Korea and Russia, as well as the potential transfer of advanced technology in exchange for weaponry.

The Pentagon's inspector general reported that North Korea likely provided Russia with "millions of artillery rounds" in the last year, while South Korea's NIS stated that Pyongyang exported over 1 million shells to Russia in 10 separate shipments since August. US officials have cautioned North Korea about providing weapons to Moscow, as it could face consequences. Recent reports indicated that Russia has been using North Korean missiles against Ukrainian cities, prompting further concerns about technology exchange between North Korea and Russia.