The Russian regime has bought millions of artillery and missile shells from North Korea (of which 20-25% of GDP is spent on military spending) to offset its deficit, according to US intelligence, cited by Russia. New York Times . Western sanctions have restricted the Kremlin’s supply chains, forcing it to turn to countries in exile. The Russian army has also received Iranian drones, according to the same sources.
The declassified information does not detail the weapons supplied, nor the date of purchase. However, the purchase of equipment from North Korea seems to show the weakness of the Russian military-industrial complex, explained to the American daily newspaper Frederick W., a military expert at the American Enterprise Institute. Kagan.This most likely indicates a massive failure of the Russian military-industrial complex, which probably has deep roots and very serious consequences for the Russian armed forces.“. The remarks, which are confirmed by statements made by an American official to AFP on condition of anonymity. The purchases show that the Russian military continues to suffer from severe shortages, partly due to sanctions.The official added that the West forced Moscow after the February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
According to Mason Clarke of the Institute of War Studies.The Kremlin should be worried about buying anything from North Korea“. If sanctions have not stopped the Russian military machine so far, they appear to be straining its ability to rearm. Frederick W. Kagan said New York Times that “the only reason the Kremlin should have to buy artillery shells or missiles from North Korea or anyone else is because Putin was unwilling or unable to mobilize the Russian economy for war, even at the most basic level.“.
Source: Le Figaro
