According to a recently declassified intelligence assessment from the United States, Russia is purchasing millions of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea.
The New York Times, which broke the news first of the acquisitions, noted that there was no information offered in the reports about the precise weapons used or the timing or size of the shipments.
North Korean Weapons
Russia was anticipated to try to purchase further North Korean weapons in the future, in addition to short-range rockets and artillery shells, the paper reported, citing an unnamed US official.
The Associated Press reported that Russia's decision to purchase weapons from North Korea, a nation subject to international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, shows how the Russian military continues to experience severe supply shortages in Ukraine, partly caused by export controls and sanctions.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February prompted international criticism and sanctions that made it harder for Moscow to keep its military stocked with weapons and equipment.
Hence, the country has strengthened ties with nations like North Korea and Iran.
The US claimed that Moscow has been purchasing drones from Iran since the country has not joined in denouncing Russia and has instead pointed the finger of blame at NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe as the source of the war.
In July, Ukraine severed ties with North Korea after it came to light that Pyongyang had joined Russia and Syria in recognizing the independence of two self-declared republics in eastern Ukraine.
Iranian Drones Supporting Russia
The revelation follows the recent confirmation by the Biden administration that Iranian-made drones were sent to the Russian military in August for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Biden administration claims that Russia picked up Mohajer-6 and Shahed-series unmanned aerial aircraft over several days last month as part of a Russian plot to obtain hundreds of Iranian UAVs for use in Ukraine.
Iran is a reasonable choice for Russia to acquire drones from, according to military expert Samuel Bendett of the CNA think tank. Iran has been honing its drone warfare force for at least 20 years, and they have engaged in more conflict with drones than the Russians.
Before the conflict in Ukraine, Russia had obtained a drone license from an established supplier Israel for its Forpost UAV, according to Bendett. Moscow no longer has access to that supply since the Jewish state has maintained its neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian defense minister announced on Wednesday, Aug. 24, that Norway and Britain would work together to supply Ukraine with micro drones to help the country in its war against Russia.
The Teledyne Flir Black Hornet drones are used for target identification and reconnaissance. They are expected to cost up to 90 million Norwegian crowns ($9.26 million), according to a statement from the ministry.
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
