The Facts
According to newly declassified American intelligence, Russia could allegedly be about to buy 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, the intelligence suggests Russia is also expected to try to buy additional North Korean equipment in the future.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
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
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
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?
