North Korea recently sent over 1,000 containers of military equipment to Russia to aid Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine, the U.S. said Friday.

“Our information indicates that, in recent weeks, the DPRK has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions,” the U.S. mission to the U.N announced, citing National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

The U.S. mission published imagery apparently showing the process of container shipping from the North Korean port of Rajin to Dunay, a seaport near Vladivostok, by the Russian-flagged merchant vessel Angara between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1.

The images do not show the contents of the containers, but suggest they were moved by rail to an ammunition depot in southwestern Russia near Tikhoretsk, some 180 miles (290 km) from the Ukrainian border. 

About 300 shipping containers at Rajin prepared for delivery to Russia between  Sept. 7-8, the images apparently show. The Angara is shown to arrive at Dunay on Sept. 12 — a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at a Far Eastern spaceport.

The White House announcement follows a report by Washington think tank CSIS that suggested stacks of covered goods piling up at a rail station at the Russia-DPRK border were “probable” weapons shipments from North Korea to Russia. 

But NK Pro analysis of on-the-ground photos from the border indicates the tarp-covered goods are for “disinfection,” meaning it is more likely that the goods are imports from Russia.

Vessel tracking service Fleetmon shows that the Angara (9179842) is a roll-on/roll-off vessel capable of carrying wheeled cargo as well as containers. It has not transmitted its position since early August, a possible indication the vessel is engaged in illicit activities.

NK News analysis of satellite imagery found that a vessel closely matching the type and dimensions of the Angara berthed at Rason (Rajin) port next to a pier filled with containers on Oct. 2 amid signs that the North Korean port has restarted container trade for the first time in five years.

Kirby reportedly said that the U.S. condemns the DPRK “for providing Russia with this military equipment, which can be used to attack Ukrainian cities and kill Ukrainian civilians, and for the Russians and illegitimate war.”

“In return for its support, we assess that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia, including fighter aircraft surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, or other materials and other advanced technologies,” Kirby said, according to Bloomberg.

He also reportedly said that Washington is “monitoring closely whether Moscow will provide Pyongyang with these materials,” while noting that the U.S. has “already observed Russian ships offloading containers in the DPRK.”

Kirby added that the U.S. will “enforce” the existing and will impose new sanctions “against those who are seeking to enable these arms deals.”

Russia and North Korea have expanded bilateral ties in recent months, eyeing more robust economic and military cooperation amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

The DPRK is one of the most ardent supporters of Russia’s war efforts. 

Colin Zwirko contributed to this report. Edited by Arius Derr

Updated on Oct. 14 at 11:25 a.m. KST with further details about possible DPRK-Russia trade.