NATO officials meeting in Norway believe Kim Jong Un is willing to boost Vladimir Putin’s arsenal with Soviet-era military rounds in return for advanced weapons or technology
North Korea's ability to boost Russia's military might in its war in Ukraine isn't likely to make a big difference, according to a top army general from the US. Speaking as he arrived in Norway for a series of NATO meetings to discuss the conflict, General Mark Milley said the recent meeting between leaders Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin could lead to the former nation providing Moscow with Soviet-era 152mm artillery rounds.
Adding that it was not clear how soon that would be and how much ammunition it would entail, Milley pondered: "Would it have a huge difference? I’m sceptical of that." And erring on the side of caution, he continued: "I doubt that it would be decisive."
Speculation is mounting amongst foreign governments and experts that Kim would likely demand advanced weapons or technology from Putin in return. Milley and his defence chief counterparts within NATO will discuss support for Ukraine and other regional defence issues over the coming days.
The meetings come as Ukraine forces continue to make slow progress in a counteroffensive that hasn't moved as quickly as anticipated. Leaders in Kyiv, meanwhile, are lobbying for more advanced weapons including long-range missiles.
NATO Military Committee chair, Admiral Rob Bauer of the Netherlands declared at the opening of the first meeting on Saturday (September 16): "History will show Ukraine has transformed modern warfare and they are moving forward every day. Every success is one step closer to victory."
He added that Russian forces "keep losing more and more ground, and the whole of Russia is suffering under the impact of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation". Milley, meanwhile, emphasised that Ukraine has an ongoing need for more weapons and equipment and that its allies and partners will discuss how to address that in the days ahead.
Kim's trip to Russia, meanwhile, also saw the despot shown various warplanes, strategic bombers and other vehicles used in Ukraine during a visit to Vladivostok. Senior military officials were present at the time, showing off the Tu-22 bombers which regularly launch cruise missiles at parts of Ukraine.
The North Korean leader's visit to the military site coincided with an announcement from Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash on the use of Tu-160 bombers. Lt. Gen. Kobylash confirmed the Tu-160 had received new cruise missiles with a range of 4,040 miles.
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