Sunken Russian freighter may have had nuclear submarine parts on board for North Korea

© picture alliance / YONHAPNEWS AGENCY | Yonhap

The Russian freighter Ursa Major, which sank on Dec. 23, 2024 after explosions near Spain, may have been carrying parts for nuclear submarines destined for North Korea. This is according to an investigation by U.S. news channel CNN.

The captain confirmed that the ship was carrying parts for two nuclear reactors, similar to those used in submarines. Satellite images show how those were loaded in St. Petersburg. The officially declared cargo (containers, cranes and large cover plates) could have been a cover.

The formal destination was Vladivostok, close to the border with North Korea, but the captain expected to be diverted to the North Korean port of Rasŏn. This would be in the context of growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Pyongyang presented its first nuclear submarine in late 2025.

The cause of the sinking remains unclear, but experts point to possible sabotage: a hole in the hull could indicate a torpedo or mine. If so, who is behind it is unknown. Two crew members were killed in the explosions.

After the sinking, American military aircraft equipped to detect nuclear material flew over the site twice. A week later, a Russian ship spent several days over the wreckage. This was accompanied by four more explosions: these were possibly aimed at the remains on the sea floor.

Picture: © picture alliance / YONHAPNEWS AGENCY | Yonhap