Russians are facing new challenges on the front lines, according to an expert who explained the situation.

Despite making progress, the Russian Federation's army is facing challenges with heavy artillery, evidenced by the presence of North Korean Koaksan self-propelled guns on the front lines.

During a broadcast on "We are Ukraine," stated the head of security programs at the Globalistics Center "Strategy XXI," Pavel Lakiychuk. This artillery piece is based on the Soviet tank (T-54, T-62) or its Chinese counterpart Type 59, but the shells for the self-propelled guns are produced exclusively by North Korea. The caliber of this system is unique.

"No one except the North Koreans has shells of the necessary caliber for this system. For these few dozen self-propelled guns, the Russians will have to obtain shells from North Korea," Lakiychuk said.

The M1978 "Koaksan" self-propelled artillery system has been in use by the North Korean army since 1978. It was first showcased to the world in 1985: its caliber is 170/180 mm, with a rate of fire of one to three rounds per minute, and a firing range of 40 to 60 kilometers. In addition to North Korea and Russia, this system is also used by Iran.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that in the spring of 2025, the Russians might focus their attention on Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region.