In their daily report, British military intelligence points out that despite the Russian side denying recent reports of North Korean supplies of munitions, these have “almost certainly” reached warehouses in the western part of Russia. These warehouses are used to supply the Russian troops in Ukraine with munitions.

If Pyongyang can maintain this level and speed of supply, more than 1000 containers in the last few weeks, then it will become one of Russia’s main arms suppliers along with Iran and Belarus.

It is not yet clear what Russia has offered North Korea in return, the report said. British military intelligence considers it unlikely that the whole package has been agreed, but it is quite possible that it has been discussed during recent visits by high-ranking Russian officials to North Korea.

According to the British military intelligence services, this package will probably include financial assistance, financial support, delivery of military technologies and cooperation in other areas, for example in the field of space.