Increased Rail Traffic Along North Korea-Russia Border Sparks Concerns of Arms Supply, Says US Think Tank

Rail traffic along the border between North Korea and Russia has surged to its highest levels in years, according to a report by the Beyond Parallel Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Satellite imagery revealed an “unprecedented” presence of approximately 73 freight cars at the Tumangang Rail Station in North Korea’s Rason city, surpassing levels observed in the past five years, including pre-pandemic periods. This surge in rail traffic suggests potential arms and munitions supply from North Korea to Russia, following discussions of military cooperation between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their recent summit. The U.S. and South Korea have expressed concerns about this military cooperation, viewing it as a violation of U.N. sanctions against North Korea, with fears that Moscow could seek ammunition from North Korea to support its invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea could receive technological aid for its satellite and missile programs. North Korea defended its cooperation with Russia as “natural” and “normal” neighborly relations.