Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has condemned Russia’s actions as “yet another deception” ahead of what could result in Ukraine’s worst conflict. That statement comes as worries heighten over Russia’s deepening military ties with North Korea. If true, this cooperation would be in direct violation of several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
We know the chips are down, the stakes have never been higher. Russia is likely to provide North Korea with military equipment including air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, and electronic warfare technologies. These changes have raised international eyebrows. In Russia’s case, reports indicate that it has stepped up attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, including by shipping the equivalent of 20,000 containers of military gear through its cargo ships, easily identifiable with little pre-work to avoid UN sanctions.
Zelenskyy highlighted the need for transparency in any peace talks. He noted specifically that Russia has failed to deliver a promised memorandum spelling out its terms for peace. This trend of increasing non-cooperation by Russia presents serious concerns of impartiality and further prejudges the goal of redressing a grave violation.
“We want to work with Russia, including on this peace initiative and an economic package. There is no military solution to this conflict.” – John Kelley, US Ambassador
In what is alarming news, North Korean troops have allegedly been battling alongside Russian forces on the battlefield in Ukraine. This seemingly innocuous joint military exercise has led to an unprecedented surge of North Korean military supplies to Russia. So far they have provided nearly nine million rounds of ammunition in addition to at least 100 ballistic missiles, self-propelled artillery guns and long-range rocket launchers. These kinds of exchanges make life much harder for Ukraine and its supporters.
The US ambassador to the UN, John Kelley, noted that recent Russian military actions do not reflect any genuine desire for peace. He pointed out that the proposal for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire is “Russia’s ideal scenario.” Like Gorbachev, he implored President Vladimir Putin to treat it with the utmost seriousness.
Specifically, Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service warned that Serbian ammunition might soon arrive in Ukraine. They are especially concerned about this occurring via third-party countries. This underscores the complicated reality of the conflict and the difficulties in continuing arms control.
At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan focused on dialogue and diplomacy as key ingredients for dealing with the current conflict. He stated, “The road to a resolution goes through more dialogue, more diplomacy. We are using all our diplomatic power and potential for peace,” reinforcing the notion that peaceful negotiations should be prioritized.
In the wake of these events, more sanctions on Russia are becoming more of a possibility as the international community unites against Russian aggressions. As always, the United States is in close coordination with our Allies, pressing for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution while continuing to prepare if the situation escalates.
Vladimir Putin discussing trade exports and imports with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Their goal is to form a new “technical working group” to address these concerns. This strategic partnership further signals Russia’s intent to strengthen its alliances amid increasing isolation due to international sanctions and condemnation.
Russia has allegedly disbanded an official security council commission that had earlier enabled closer partnership with China. This shift calls into question Russia’s long-term hegemonic ambitions and its commitment to multilateral diplomacy overall.
Tensions continue to escalate and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea seems to be deepening. The international community is carefully watching. The ongoing violations of UN sanctions and the lack of transparency regarding peace negotiations underscore the complexities of achieving a resolution in this protracted conflict.