Russia’s defense chief flew to North Korea to beg for ammunition.

Russia's defense chief flew to North Korea to beg for ammunition.

Russia’s Desperation in Ukraine: Seeking Ammunition from North Korea

Russia’s defense chief recently traveled to North Korea to ask the country for ammunition, highlighting a scramble to sustain Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. This move supports the Biden administration’s long-standing accusation that Russian President Vladimir Putin turns to pariah countries for weaponry and security assistance out of desperation.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his delegation visited North Korea as the country marked 70 years since the 1953 Korean War armistice. Shoigu met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and attended a high-profile military parade.

According to White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby, the purpose of Shoigu’s visit was to convince North Korea to sell munitions to Russia. The United States remains concerned that North Korea continues to contemplate providing military support to Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. Recent information indicates that Russia is seeking to increase military cooperation with North Korea, particularly through the sale of artillery munitions.

North Korea is one of the few countries supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine, although Pyongyang denies accusations of providing weapons to the Russian military. Notably, North Korean rockets have been found in Ukraine. During their recent meeting, Shoigu and Kim discussed regional and international security environments, emphasizing increased collaboration and cooperation on defense-related topics.

This is not the first time Russia has sought ammunition from North Korea. US intelligence reports suggest that North Korea provided rockets and missiles to the Kremlin-funded Wagner Group mercenary organization, which previously fought in Ukraine. In exchange for weapons, Russia offered food to the impoverished Pyongyang.

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Kirby highlighted that any arms deal between Russia and North Korea would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. The United States is determined to identify, expose, and counter Russia’s efforts to acquire ammunition from North Korea or any other state supporting its war in Ukraine.

The desperation of President Putin is evident in his attempts to sustain his war machine. Sanctions and export controls imposed on Russia have affected its inventory, leading Putin to reach out to countries like North Korea, Iran, and even China for support in his war efforts. Iran has already provided explosive drones to Russia, which Moscow has been using to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure for nearly a year. While there are indications that China may provide weaponry to Russia, no formal move has been made yet. However, the United States is closely monitoring the situation.

The international community must recognize and address Russia’s desperate actions. It is crucial to firmly oppose any attempts to expand Russia’s military capabilities by partnering with states like North Korea, who are disregarding international norms. By standing united against these actions, the world can work towards stability and resolution in Ukraine, promoting peace and security for all parties involved.

• North Korea
• Russia
• Ukraine