International

Russia buying ‘millions of rockets and artillery’ from N. Korea for Ukraine war – US

Published

4 years ago

September 7, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, oversees the 'Vostok-2022' military exercises outside Ussuriysk, Russia, Sept. 6, 2022.

With few trade partners and an empty armory, the Kremlin is being forced to turn to North Korea to stock up on vital supplies to fuel its ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a recently declassified U.S. intelligence report.

A U.S. official told ABC News that Russia’s Ministry of Defense was “in the process” of buying “millions of rockets and artillery shells” from the so-called Hermit Kingdom and that the purchases were an indication Moscow’s military “continues to suffer from severe supply shortages in Ukraine, due in part to export controls and sanctions.”

The official added that the intelligence community assessed it would likely become part of a pattern, with Russia seeking “to purchase additional North Korean military equipment going forward.” (Neither country has yet responded to the report.)

The Biden administration touted the development, first reported by The New York Times, as evidence that international sanctions — despite what experts have called some adverse ripple effects in the U.S. — were proving successful even as the White House resisted Kyiv’s calls to impose additional penalties against Russia by branding it a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Our sanctions, export controls and efforts to further isolate Russia from the global economy are having a significant impact,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday. “We are choking off Russia’s military supply chains.”

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While North Korea wouldn’t be providing Moscow with the most cutting-edge military technology, its Soviet-era stockpiles could fill a pressing niche by restocking Russian forces with artillery shells compatible with its weapon systems developed during the same timeframe — ammunition it is struggling to supply.

“The fact that they’re reaching out to North Korea is a sign that that they’re having some challenges on the sustainment front,” Pentagon spokesman Brigadier Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday.

Ryder added that the intelligence on the weapons sale was declassified so the international community and the American public could better “understand the situation that Russia finds itself as they again continue to wage their campaign in Ukraine.”

So far, American officials have released little information about what — if any — action they intend to take to hinder or penalize Russia’s purchases from North Korea.

The State Department’s principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that the sale was a clear violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit the procurement of arms from North Korea, but he declined to say whether the U.S. planned to raise the issue to the intergovernmental organization or take other steps.

“While all U.N. sanctions are a serious violation, I think particularly concerning here is that a permanent member of the Security Council is floating these measures,” Patel said, referring to Russia’s powerful status within the body.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby added the caveat that there was no indication that the purchase had been completed or that any arms from North Korea were currently being used on battlefields in Ukraine.

Pyongyang isn’t the only pariah Russia has sought to broker an arms deal with in recent weeks. Last month, Moscow acquired drones from Iran. A Department of Defense official told ABC News that while the Kremlin will likely seek to import several hundred more, the initial shipment performed poorly, experiencing “numerous failures.”

Weapons from North Korea and Iran might not significantly move the needle in Ukraine, but U.S. officials are watching carefully to see if a much more significant power comes to Russia’s aid: China.

Beijing and Moscow retain close trade and defense ties, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked concern that the two could forge a military alliance. (China officially remains neutral on the conflict.) The U.S. has warned of intense consequences for China should it sell Moscow military supplies, but so far, there’s no evidence it has violated export controls.

“In terms of what Russia may be asking of China or not, I don’t have any information to provide from the podium on that,” Pentagon spokesman Ryder said, “other than to say that, in an era of strategic competition, we’ll continue to keep a very close eye on Russia and China.”

ABC News

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International

One killed as Ukrainian drones ignite Russian oil refinery in Samara

Published

2 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Trends Admin

One killed as Ukrainian drones ignite Russian oil refinery in Samara

Fresh Ukrainian drone attacks have killed one person and injured three others, including a child, while igniting a major fire at a Russian oil refinery in the Samara region, as Kyiv intensified its campaign against Moscow’s energy infrastructure in the latest escalation of the more than four-year war.

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said the overnight drone strikes hit residential buildings and an industrial facility in Russia’s Volga region, causing casualties and significant damage. While he did not identify the industrial site, independent Russian media outlet Astra, citing images and videos circulating on social media, reported that the target was the Syzran oil refinery.

Videos shared online showed massive flames and thick black smoke billowing from the refinery, as emergency responders battled the blaze. Authorities have yet to disclose the full extent of the damage or whether refinery operations have been suspended.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted 349 Ukrainian drones overnight, describing it as one of the largest drone assaults in recent weeks. The ministry said drones targeted multiple regions, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign.

The Syzran refinery, owned by state-controlled oil giant Rosneft, is one of Russia’s key energy facilities, with an annual crude oil processing capacity of about 8.5 million tonnes. The refinery produces petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products that support both civilian and industrial demand.

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The facility has been targeted repeatedly since Ukraine expanded its strategy of striking Russian energy infrastructure. Following an earlier drone attack in late May, operations at the refinery were temporarily halted after key processing equipment sustained damage.

The latest strike comes as Russia continues to grapple with disruptions to its fuel supply chain. Repeated attacks on refineries, oil depots and storage facilities have reduced refining capacity in several regions, contributing to fuel shortages and logistical challenges.

Reports indicate that some filling stations have begun rationing petrol, while motorists in affected areas have faced long queues as supplies tighten. Energy analysts say continued attacks on refining infrastructure could further strain domestic fuel distribution if repairs are delayed.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to target military installations, logistics hubs and energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv argues that oil facilities are critical to financing Moscow’s military operations and sustaining its war effort.

The campaign is intended to increase economic and military pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as Ukraine seeks stronger leverage in any future peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Russia has maintained that any peace agreement must include the recognition of territories it claims to have annexed, including areas that remain only partially under Russian control. The Kremlin has continued to reject conditions proposed by Kyiv and its Western allies, leaving diplomatic efforts largely stalled.

The renewed attacks come as both countries continue to exchange long-range missile and drone strikes, targeting military assets, infrastructure and strategic facilities. Analysts warn that the intensifying campaign against energy installations on both sides could have broader implications for regional stability and international energy markets if the conflict continues to escalate.

Despite repeated international calls for restraint, there is little indication that either side is prepared to scale back military operations, raising concerns that the conflict could enter another prolonged and more destructive phase.

One killed as Ukrainian drones ignite Russian oil refinery in Samara

International

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed as fresh US strikes deepen Gulf conflict

Published

4 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed as fresh US strikes deepen Gulf conflict

The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, targeting more than 140 military sites after Tehran was accused of attacking a commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fears of wider regional conflict.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and preventing further attacks on international shipping. US officials said the latest operation followed an alleged Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which reportedly left one crew member missing and caused extensive damage to the ship.

Iran rejected Washington’s justification and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the strategic waterway would remain closed until what it described as the end of US military interference in the region. Despite Tehran’s declaration, CENTCOM maintained that commercial vessels continued to transit the strait under heightened security, while international maritime agencies advised shipping companies to exercise extreme caution.

The renewed confrontation comes just days after US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between the United States and Iran effectively over, accusing Tehran of violating the agreement through renewed attacks on commercial shipping and US interests.

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In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for coordinated missile and drone strikes on US military assets and allied facilities across the Gulf. The group said it targeted command-and-control centres in Jordan, a US radar installation in Kuwait, aircraft carrier support facilities in Oman, military infrastructure in Qatar and other strategic locations. Iranian officials also claimed another commercial vessel was disabled in the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has triggered heightened security measures across the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens after detecting incoming threats. Explosions were also reported in Doha, prompting authorities to reinforce security around key infrastructure.

The latest escalation has intensified concerns over global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass, remains one of the most strategically important maritime routes. Although shipping has not completely stopped, insurance premiums for vessels operating in the Gulf have surged, several shipping companies have reviewed their routes, and oil prices have climbed sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continue. Iranian and Omani officials have reportedly held talks in Muscat aimed at maintaining safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with further negotiations expected as regional mediators seek to prevent the conflict from spreading further.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement, insisting that any truce could only survive through “mutual compliance.” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also warned that “the era of one-sided deals is over,” urging Washington to honour its commitments or face further consequences.

In a separate development, a statement attributed to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed retaliation for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the early stages of the conflict. The statement has further fuelled concerns that the crisis could evolve into a prolonged confrontation.

International leaders have renewed calls for restraint, warning that continued attacks on commercial shipping and military installations could destabilise the Middle East, disrupt global trade and worsen economic uncertainty.

Security analysts caution that unless diplomatic efforts succeed, the conflict could expand beyond the Gulf, drawing in additional regional actors and posing significant risks to global energy supplies, international commerce and geopolitical stability.

Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed as fresh US strikes deepen Gulf conflict

International

Trump says US will ‘completely decimate’ Iran if he is assassinated

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Trump says US will ‘completely decimate’ Iran if he is assassinated

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would launch an overwhelming military response against Iran if the Islamic Republic attempted or succeeded in assassinating him, declaring that the country would be “completely decimated” under plans he said had already been approved.

The warning, issued on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Friday, marked one of his strongest public statements against Iran since tensions between Washington and Tehran resurfaced following renewed disputes over a fragile ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

In the post, Trump claimed the US military had already prepared extensive contingency plans to respond to any assassination attempt against a sitting American president.

“1,000 missiles are locked and loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME!” Trump wrote.

The President added that the military had standing orders to carry out a devastating response if such an attack occurred.

“Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one-year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” he stated.

Although Trump did not present new evidence to support his claim, US officials have previously disclosed concerns about alleged Iranian threats against current and former American officials following the 2020 US drone strike that killed senior Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran has consistently denied plotting to assassinate American leaders.

Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump revealed that Washington had agreed to continue diplomatic engagement after Iran requested another round of negotiations.

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“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue talks. We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the ceasefire is over,” Trump said.

His comments came just one day after he reiterated during the NATO Summit that the ceasefire arrangement reached between both countries had effectively collapsed following recent military exchanges.

The renewed diplomatic contacts suggest that while both sides remain sharply divided, neither Washington nor Tehran has completely abandoned efforts to resolve their differences through negotiations.

Iran swiftly rejected Trump’s claims, insisting it had complied with the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of violating the agreement, particularly provisions relating to sanctions and military deployments.

According to Araghchi, Tehran has continued to fulfil its obligations under the interim arrangement while the United States has failed to fully implement its own commitments.

“There can only be mutual compliance,” the Iranian foreign minister said, arguing that lasting progress can only be achieved if both countries honour every aspect of the agreement.

The memorandum of understanding was designed to reduce tensions by maintaining the status quo on Iran’s nuclear activities while creating a framework for broader negotiations on sanctions, regional security and confidence-building measures.

Although no fresh direct negotiations have been announced since the latest exchange of threats, diplomatic contacts remain active.

Regional mediators, particularly Qatar, continue to facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran in an effort to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider regional conflict.

Officials familiar with the negotiations say discussions remain focused on preserving diplomatic channels while reducing the risk of military confrontation across the Middle East.

Relations between the United States and Iran have remained strained for years over Iran’s nuclear programme, US economic sanctions, regional proxy conflicts and military activities in the Gulf.

The latest exchange of warnings comes against the backdrop of heightened instability across the Middle East, where conflicts involving Iran, Israel and armed groups aligned with Tehran continue to fuel international concern.

Security analysts say Trump’s latest remarks underscore the delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence that continues to define US-Iran relations.

While negotiations remain on the table, experts warn that continued hostile rhetoric or further military incidents could undermine diplomatic efforts and increase the risk of another regional confrontation.

For now, both Washington and Tehran appear determined to maintain dialogue while simultaneously projecting military strength, leaving the future of their relationship uncertain.

The international community continues to monitor developments closely, with global powers urging both countries to exercise restraint, honour existing commitments and pursue peaceful solutions through sustained diplomacy.