As a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine seems ever elusive, there are concerns that Kyiv may be able to carry on the fight for another year. However, it is worth noting that the war of attrition has taken an even greater toll on Russia—as evidenced by recent reports that show it is ever more dependent on North Korean ordnance and “vintage” military hardware.

More than three years ago, it came as a geopolitical shock to many that Russia was turning to its Cold War ally North Korea for support in its still ongoing war in Ukraine. Reports first circulated in September 2022 that the Kremlin would buy millions of artillery shells and rockets from the Hermit Kingdom—an early sign that Moscow’s military stockpiles weren’t nearly as deep as pre-war estimates had suggested.

Russia’s dependence on North Korea has only increased. It has recruited North Korean “volunteers” who are now fighting on the front lines. As of this year, Pyongyang had sent 11,000 troops to aid Russia’s war efforts, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called it an “honor” to have an alliance with Moscow. Kim further described the troops as “heroes” engaged in a “sacred mission,” promising that a........

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