Russia wants to buy millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea to use in its war against Ukraine, a sign that Western sanctions on its military and economy are starting to bite, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
The government’s decision to buy the munitions indicates that Russia “continues to suffer from severe supply shortages in Ukraine due in part to export controls and sanctions,” State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.
“Our sense is that it could include literally millions of rounds,” said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council. He said there are no indications that purchases from North Korea have been completed.
