In a recent revelation, it has been discovered that Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, and North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, have been involved in a clandestine exchange of military resources.
This covert operation has seen Russia receive significant military support from North Korea, while in return, North Korea has been equipped with advanced air defense systems. This transaction, however, does not bode well for Ukraine or the global community at large.
According to RedState, North Korea has been instrumental in escalating Russia's missile attacks on crucial Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This has been achieved through the dispatch of thousands of soldiers and artillery shells to Russia.
In exchange, Pyongyang has received air defense weapons and military equipment, thereby circumventing international sanctions. This information was unveiled by officials on Thursday.
The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, an 11-member group from the United Nations tasked with overseeing sanctions against North Korea, discovered that both Russia and North Korea had breached UN sanctions to further their military objectives.
The report confirmed that Moscow had received over 12,000 North Korean troops to aid in reclaiming the Russian region of Kursk from Ukraine earlier this year. Additionally, the Kremlin received approximately nine million rounds of artillery and rocket launcher ammunition from North Korea.
Historically, Russia has heavily relied on artillery, a lesson learned from the Red Army's experience in World War 2, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. The current Russian Army continues to appreciate the value of artillery, making the ammunition received from North Korea a significant asset.
In reciprocation, North Korea's air-defense capability received a considerable enhancement. Russia provided Kim Jong-un with at least one Pantsir mobile air defense system, a medium-range surface-to-air interceptor, and anti-aircraft weapon. North Korea also received a Pantsir-class combat vehicle, electronic warfare jamming devices, and other military equipment to strengthen Kims defense systems.
While it appears that only one system was provided, it is worth noting that this could potentially enable North Korea to manufacture more. It remains unclear whether Russia provided any specifications, plans, or blueprints for the weapons and systems.
The reasons behind this trade are clear. Putin has been amassing troops along Ukraine's northern border and launching missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities. The North Korean troops sent to Russia have proven to be of limited use, but the munitions could be instrumental if Putin decides to escalate the Russo-Ukraine war.
North Korea, a predominantly rugged and mountainous country, would heavily rely on air power in the event of an attack. Moscow's contribution has significantly boosted North Korea's counter-air capability. Although there are currently no troops amassing on North Korea's borders and the country faces no immediate threats, North Korea's military policy has historically been characterized by paranoia.
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