WASHINGTON (AP) – The Russian Defense Ministry 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 finding by U.S. intelligence.
A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence agency’s determination, said Monday that Russia’s move toward the reclusive 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.”
US intelligence officials believe the Russians could seek additional North Korean military equipment in the future. The Secret Service’s finding was first reported by the New York Times.
The finding comes after the Biden administration recently confirmed that the Russian military received Iranian-made drones for battlefield use in Ukraine in August.
The White House said last week that Russia had experienced technical problems with Iranian drones acquired from Tehran in August for use in its war with Ukraine.
Russia received Mohajer-6 and Shahed series unmanned aerial vehicles for several days last month as part of what the Biden administration says is likely part of a Russian plan to acquire hundreds of Iranian UAVs for use in Ukraine.
