Photo: SERGEI GUNEYEV/Sputnik/AFP via Getty; STR/AFP via Getty
Russia is purchasing “millions” of artillery shells, rockets and ammunition, according to newly declassified intelligence from the American government.
“We do have indications that Russia has approached North Korea to request ammunition,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder in apress conferenceat the White House on Tuesday.
Ryder continued, “I’m not able to provide any more detail than that at this point in time, but it does demonstrate and is indicative of the situation that Russia finds itself in terms of its logistics and sustainment capabilities as it relates to Ukraine.”
In other words, the new purchase is a strong indication that global sanctions have severely restricted Russia’s supply chains and forcedPresident Vladimir Putinto turn to less-than-ideal trading partners for military supplies. “We assess that things are not going well on that front for Russia,” Ryder added.
According toThe New York Times, who first reported on the negotiation, this news comes just a few days after Russia received initial shipments of drones from Iran.
As for why the information was declassified on Tuesday, Ryder stated that it is a way to illustrate the condition ofRussia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP
As for the quantity of the deal being made, U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that Russia “is in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells,“Reutersreported.
With that said, there is no indication that a trade was finalized.
When asked the same question, Ryder said he did not have “details to provide” further information on the status of the deal.
Russia’s United Nations Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has since denied the allegations, calling them “another fake thing that’s been circulated,“Associated Pressreported. “I can only laugh about it.”
Tuesday’s news is the first outcome supporting the idea that sanctions are making a dent in the country.
Broad economic sanctions, which were also imposed on Russia, have not effected the country as expected. Due to the invasion, energy prices have filled its treasury and strengthened its economy,The New York Timesreported.
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In addition, sanctions against individual Russian oligarchs have also failed been unsuccessful in taming Putin.
source: people.com
