US: Russia is Buying North Korean Artillery

Facts

• Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, denied the allegations and dismissed the report as “another fake being circulated around.” It hasn’t yet been independently verified.
• According to newly declassified American intelligence, Russia is allegedly buying large quantities of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea, in violation of UN sanctions.
• The details on the exact types of weaponry are unclear, as well as the timing or size of the shipments. Beyond short-range rockets and artillery shells already allegedly purchased, the intelligence suggests Russia is also expected to try to buy additional North Korean equipment in the future.
• For several months, Russian actions in Ukraine as well as disclosures from US intelligence have led Western analysts to assess that Russia has struggled with its high-tech weaponry, experiencing high rates of failure with its precision-guided weaponry like cruise missiles.
• Stocks of these weapons have also reportedly been depleted, forcing Russian generals to rely less on missiles, and strategize around artillery assault.
• The report comes after the Biden administration announced that the Russian military received Iranian drones in August to support its operations in Ukraine.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, New York Times, and FOX News.

Narratives

• Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by Fox News. The fact that Russia was so desperate it turned to the extremely isolated state of North Korea is evidence that Moscow is experiencing extreme supply shortages in Ukraine. International blockades and Western pressure are working to counter Russian aggression.
• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by RT. The hegemonic policy of the West has left Russia no choice but to deepen relationships with trusted partners. The US and its allies have isolated and threatened Russia and it’s in Moscow’s best interest to forge strategic ties with North Korea, with or without the purchase of weapons. Both nations have endured the hardship of unfair sanctions.
• Cynical narrative, as provided by NBC. This report should be taken with a pinch of salt until the sale can be independently verified. According to several anonymous US officials, the Biden admin has made it their strategy to deploy declassified intelligence as part of an information war against Russia and to deter Putin, even when the evidence isn’t rock solid. How do we know this time is any different?

Predictions