Angara’s Evasive Journey: Sanctioned Russian Cargo Ship Engages in Suspected Weapon Transports via North Korea and China

Russian cargo ship Angara has been engaged in at least eleven transports between North Korea and Russia since August 2023, according to a report by the British think tank Rusi. Satellite images suggest that the vessel may have been transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia. Despite being subject to US sanctions, the ship was observed at China’s Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard for repairs or maintenance prior to its arrival in China.

The Angara’s transponder, which is part of the AIS system that shares navigation and identification information, was briefly switched on as it traveled through the Korean Strait towards China. Prior to arriving in China for repairs in February, the Angara had docked in North Korean and Russian ports with its transponder off. After China, the ship stopped shipping activities.

Since August 2023, the United States has raised concerns with Chinese authorities about the Angara’s presence in a Chinese port amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry and the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard also denied having any information on the matter. The Chinese embassy in Washington expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions but stated that it was not informed about the details of the Angara.

Efforts by Ukraine and its allies to disrupt military and economic support to Russia through sanctions have been ongoing. Previous satellite images have shown another gunship named Lady R moving between North Korea and Russia. The international community continues to monitor these activities closely as tensions between Russia and other nations escalate.