The efforts to fully replace the older Kalashnikov assault rifle began in 2018, but as seen in the Kremlin's ongoing war in Ukraine, it will likely take years for the transition to be completed.

"The worst problem we are facing is the one coming from North Korea," the head of Kyiv's military intelligence agency said in the fall.

When Ukrainian soldiers captured two North Korean prisoners of war last month, it provided the first undeniable proof of Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the war against Ukraine.