The United States is accusing North Korea of secretly supplying russia with a significant number of artillery shells for use in the war against Ukraine.
At the same time, Pyongyang is trying to hide the shipments by making it appear as if the ammunition is being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa, according to newly declassified intelligence data.
Source. CNN.
Details. The U.S. authorities believe that the secret North Korean shipments, along with drones and other weaponry that russia has acquired from Iran, are further evidence that moscow's artillery arsenals have decreased substantially in eight months of combat.
2 months ago, the U.S. reported that russia was buying millions of missiles and artillery shells from North Korea for use on the battlefield, CNN and other outlets reported at the time. Recent intelligence indicates that supplies from North Korea are still continuing.
“In September, the DPRK publicly denied that it intended to provide ammunition to russia,” the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said in a comment to CNN. “However, our information indicates that the DPRK is covertly supplying russia’s war in Ukraine with a significant number of artillery shells, while obfuscating the real destination of the arms shipments by trying to make it appear as though they are being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa.”
The declassified intelligence did not provide any details on how many weapons are included in the supplies and how they would be paid for.
“We will continue to monitor whether these shipments are received,” Mr.Kirby said.