Live Updates: Following Yesterday’s Naval Ship Strikes, Ukraine Continues Attacks in Crimea

Washington and Moscow supplied arms and aid to the Korean Peninsula during the war between South and North Korea 70 years ago. Now, in a twist of fate, Russia and the United States are seeking help from those same allies to provide much-needed ammunition as they face off once again, this time in Ukraine. During a meeting between President Vladimir V. Putin and North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, they reached an agreement on cooperation matters. The specifics of any arms deal were not expected to be announced, as purchasing weapons from North Korea or supporting its weapons programs would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. South Korea, under deals with the U.S., has been sending large amounts of artillery shells to aid Ukraine. Despite North and South Korea remaining technically at war since the Korean War ceasefire in 1953, they have both built substantial military stockpiles. North Korea has prioritized military buildup and developed its missiles by reverse-engineering Soviet systems. It is believed to have built its first intercontinental ballistic missiles with black-market rockets from Ukraine. South Korea has built its defense industry by copying weapons provided by the U.S. and has been exporting weaponry to meet the demand driven by the war in Ukraine. Both Russia and the U.S. have sought weapons from the Korean Peninsula due to its strong military capabilities. South Korea has supplied artillery shells to the U.S., which may potentially be sent to Ukraine. The quantity provided by South Korea remains undisclosed. While there is no evidence that South Korean shells have been used in Ukraine, concerns have been raised about North Korea shipping artillery shells and rockets to Russia. North Korea has a vast network of munitions factories capable of supplying the ammunition Russia needs, and in return, North Korea hopes to receive food, energy, and parts for its military equipment from Russia. While there are warming ties between Russia and North Korea, doubts remain about whether Putin would provide North Korea with advanced technology for its missiles or nuclear-powered submarines. Despite potential alliances forming against the United States, trust between Russia, North Korea, and China remains low, making a lasting alliance between the three improbable.