Pentagon says Russia is buying millions of rockets from North Korea [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Pentagon says Tuesday that Russia is purchasing large amounts of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea.
• Kremlin reportedly needs to replenish stocks after months of intense fighting in Ukraine.
• North Kore accused the U.S. of the war in Ukraine and alleged the West’s “hegemonic policy” has justified Russia’s attack.

The Russian Ministry of Defense is reportedly in the process of buying millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea to support its continued war on Ukraine, according to new U.S. intelligence.

A U.S. official said Monday that Russia looking to the isolated state of North Korea shows that the Russian military “continues to suffer from severe supply shortages in Ukraine, due in part to export controls and sanctions.”

Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder also confirmed they had “indications that Russia has approached North Korea to request ammunition.”

This comes after the Biden administration announced that the Russian military received Iranian drones in August for its invasion of Ukraine. But last week, the White House said Russia has endured technical problems with the Iranian-manufactured drones.

Russia had picked up Mohajer-6 and Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles last month.

North Korea has looked to increase Russian relations as many European and Western nations have distanced themselves from Moscow. The North has placed the blame on the U.S. for the war in Ukraine and claimed the West’s “hegemonic policy” has justified Russia’s military action in Ukraine, saying it is protecting itself.

Russia and Syria were joined by North Korea in July as the only countries to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The North supplying arms to Russia would violate U.N. resolutions banning it from exporting or importing weapons through other countries.

As the nation is planning to export military equipment to Russia, the Biden administration has become increasingly concerned about Pyongyang and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

This year, North Korea has already tested more than 30 ballistic missiles, including its first launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles since 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wants to ramp up his nuclear arsenal despite pressure and sanctions from the US.

Source: The Hill