The podcast delves into the covert arms trade between North Korea and Russia, highlighting the economic impact of artillery shells. It explores the implications for North Korea's global arms supplier status and the challenges faced by Ukraine with dwindling supplies. The episode reveals satellite images of munitions dumps and the significance of basic weapons in the conflict.
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Quick takeaways
North Korea benefits financially from covert arms trade with Russia, potentially boosting a third of its economy.
The arms deal enhances North Korea's global standing and military capabilities, fueling infrastructure development and market influence.
Deep dives
North Korea's Role in Supplying Ammunition to Russia
Despite UN regulations, Russia has been receiving significant ammunition support from North Korea to fuel its military campaign in Ukraine. Satellite images and US intelligence confirm the covert arms transfer, with North Korea benefiting financially from the deal worth billions of dollars, potentially a third of its economy. This partnership has elevated North Korea's global stature, despite official denials from both nations.
Economic and Political Gains for North Korea
The arms deal not only provides North Korea with substantial financial gains but also improves its domestic image as a key player in international affairs. Kim Jong-un utilizes the economic assistance to address critical needs like food, fuel, and technology while bolstering his military capabilities and enhancing infrastructure. The trade agreement with Russia expands North Korea's market influence while potentially reigniting missile sales abroad.
Impact on Ukraine and Global Dynamics
The ongoing arms trade between Russia and North Korea poses challenges for Ukraine, as its ammunition supplies diminish, forcing rationing and increased air defense measures. With Europe struggling to meet Ukraine's artillery shell demands, the reliance on North Korean weaponry gains significance in the conflict. This strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea influences global dynamics and intensifies pressure on Ukraine and its allies.
The US and other countries say a deeper connection has been forged over a new arms trade between Russia and North Korea. They accuse North Korea of providing Russia with ballistic missiles and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition – supplies Russia desperately needs to continue its war in Ukraine.
Both North Korea and Russia deny that an arms trade is underway. But as Bloomberg’s Jon Herskovitz tells us, it’s clear that an isolated economy like North Korea could stand to gain a lot from this arrangement. Jon takes us inside the evidence that an arms deal is happening and tells us why this could be one of the most lucrative moves North Korea has ever made.