North Korea's Aging Artillery and Russia's Arms Offer
Exclusive: Russia to Exchange Food for North Korean Weapons
Updated: 3:07 AM PDT March 18, 2024
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea is believed to possess tens of millions of aging artillery shells and rockets based on Soviet designs, according to intelligence reports obtained by The Associated Press.
In a move that has raised international concerns, Russia is sending a delegation to North Korea to offer food in exchange for these weapons, the reports indicate. The delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, is expected to arrive in Pyongyang on Wednesday.
The potential deal has sparked alarm among U.S. National Security officials, who fear that the weapons could be used in future conflicts or sold to other countries. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also planning to visit Russia this month to meet with President Vladimir Putin, according to the reports.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, Russian President Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the delegation's mission is to "establish humanitarian cooperation with North Korea and provide assistance in the form of food and other essential supplies."
However, U.S. officials are skeptical of Russia's motives and believe that the Kremlin is seeking to gain access to North Korea's weapons as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its military power.
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