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Russia taps North Korea for millions of rockets and artillery shells to fight Ukraine: US intelligence report
- North Korea has sought to tighten relations with Russia amid the Ukraine war, recognising occupied territories and defending Moscow’s actions
- The US intelligence finding follows reports of Russia’s military taking delivery of drones made in Iran, also for use on the battlefield in Ukraine
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Russia’s Ministry of Defence is in the process of buying millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea for its ongoing fight in Ukraine, according to a newly downgraded US intelligence finding.
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A United States official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence determination, said on Monday that the fact Russia is turning to the isolated state of North Korea demonstrates that “the Russian military continues to suffer from severe supply shortages in Ukraine, due in part to export controls and sanctions”.
US intelligence officials believe that the Russians could look to purchase additional North Korean military equipment in the future. The intelligence finding was first reported by The New York Times.
The finding comes after the Biden administration recently confirmed that the Russian military in August took delivery of drones manufactured in Iran for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The White House said last week that Russia has faced technical problems with Iranian-made drones acquired from Tehran in August for use in its war with Ukraine.
Russia picked up Mohajer-6 and Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles over several days last month as part what the Biden administration says is likely part of a Russian plan to acquire hundreds of Iranian UAVs for use in Ukraine.
North Korea has sought to tighten relations with Russia as much of Europe and the West has pulled away, blaming the US for the Ukraine crisis and decrying the West’s “hegemonic policy” as justifying military action by Russia in Ukraine to protect itself.
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