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.