Putin may be trying to lower expectations around a major assault as Russia looks unlikely to make significant progress, experts say
Business InsiderOct 06, 2023
US, Japan, S.Korea Condemn 'Confirmed' North Korean Weapons Shipments to Russia
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The Facts
Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo have strongly condemned the supply of military equipment and munitions from North Korea to Russia, claiming in a joint statement that several weapons deliveries have been completed following reports that containers had arrived in a munitions storage facility near the Russia-Ukraine border.
The trio stated on Wednesday that, in addition to a considerable increase on the human toll in Ukraine, the shipments could prompt violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and undermine international efforts to prevent North Korea from gaining sensitive technologies.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
In its desire to intervene militarily across the globe, the US has not only stretched itself thin but also pushed its opponents toward cooperation with Moscow. Throughout the Cold War and up until this moment, the West had no reason to fear Russian involvement with the likes of North Korea or Iran, but now that it's ineffectively funded Ukraine while antagonizing Tehran in the Middle East, other nations have the opportunity to lessen Washington's influence and redefine the global order.
Pro-establishment narrative
With reports of over 1K containers shipped from North Korea to Russia having been confirmed, the world should be on extremely high alert. Kim Jong Un's regime, which has launched over 100 missile tests since last year, is likely working with Moscow to obtain sophisticated technology, including spy satellites. As he wreaks havoc on the free society of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has now potentially offered to help Pyongyang do the same to his neighboring democracies. The West must bolster its military preparedness more than ever before.