Financial Times Analytical Report on the Impact of North Korean and Islamic Republic Aid to Putin in the Ukraine Invasion

The Financial Times published a relatively detailed report, citing the latest statistics, examining the significance of military aid from North Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia for the continuation of Putin's invasion of Ukraine on the eve of the second year of the war. According to the report, Russia's second-largest attack on Ukraine this year occurred on Monday, during which 59 missiles and drones were fired at Ukraine, with less than half of them being intercepted, whereas this figure had previously been 80 percent. Based on a chart presented in this report, all eight Shahed drones fired during this attack were intercepted by Ukraine. The Financial Times reported, citing military officials and analysts, that the scope and complexity of Russia's new air attacks against Ukraine differ from previous attacks. According to Ukrainian officials, from December 29 to January 2, Russia fired more than 500 drones and missiles at its western neighbor, targeting primarily Ukraine's defense industries instead of the energy sector. On Saturday, Russia also conducted its third-largest attack of the year against Ukraine, firing 40 drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles, at a Ukrainian 'military-industrial complex,' of which 12 were not intercepted. To break through Ukraine's defensive line, the Russians typically deploy low-speed drones and then fire subsonic low-altitude missiles and finally supersonic ballistic missiles, making it difficult to track and intercept them. Russia's deadliest ballistic missile is called 'Kinzhal,' which Putin has referred to as a 'super weapon.' Military analysts have noted that Russia has also fired 'Iskander-M' ballistic missiles, which bear a strong resemblance to North Korea's 'KN-23' missiles. However, Ukraine's first layer of defense consists of mobile units, often made up of American Humvees equipped with 'Stinger' surface-to-air missiles, which have been a cost-effective way to shoot down drones and sometimes ballistic missiles. Optimizing the use of these units in Ukraine's winter snow is challenging, and this issue complicates the tasks of other Ukrainian defense layers, including mid-range systems provided by European allies. Additionally, Russia's combined use of subsonic and supersonic missiles has created problems for Ukraine's air defense systems. However, American Patriot systems can intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, although the missiles used in this system are expensive and have relatively limited availability due to increasing demand from Israel. Analysts and military officials have told the Financial Times that Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles could shift the balance of the war in Moscow's favor. According to a South Korean military analyst, Pyongyang is in dire need of cash and may sell 100 'KN-23' missiles to Russia at a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the White House has previously warned that Russia is actively negotiating with the Islamic Republic to purchase short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. Behnam Talablu, an analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the Financial Times that Iran has the largest ballistic missile program in the Middle East and may sell several hundred of them to Russia. Russia's efforts to bolster its arsenal come as the U.S. and European allies of Ukraine have yet to approve their $100 billion military aid to Ukraine. Nevertheless, Kyiv has announced the construction of a missile with a range of 700 kilometers and stated that it will produce 11,000 medium and long-range drones this year. Japan has also promised to lift restrictions on exporting Patriot missiles to the U.S., which may allow Washington to send more weapons to Ukraine. The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday, January 21, that in response to the transfer and testing of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia, it has sanctioned three Russian entities and one individual associated with this transfer. According to the U.S. State Department, the Vladimirivka Advanced Weapons and Research Complex, which participates in missile testing, the Ashuluk firing range, which is a Russian missile testing area, the joint-stock company 'Unit State Airline,' a state-owned company that collaborates with the Russian Air Force in providing commercial air transport services, and Vladimir Vladimirovich Mikheichik, the general director of 'Unit State Airline,' have been added to the U.S. sanctions list due to their involvement in the transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia. The U.S. Secretary of State also stated in this regard: 'The transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia supports Russia's aggressive war, exacerbating the suffering of the Ukrainian people and undermining the global missile non-proliferation regime.' Antony Blinken added: 'The United States will continue to closely monitor any support Russia provides to North Korea in exchange for these weapons and will use all available tools to identify and expose individuals and entities involved in the transfer of weapons between North Korea and Russia and will plan for subsequent actions.' At least 48 countries, including the U.S., condemned the transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia and Moscow's use of these missiles against Ukrainian cities on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024, in a strongly worded statement on January 9. North Korea's new missile test comes ahead of the visit of its foreign minister to Russia. Moscow's attack on Kharkiv with 'S-300' missiles; Zelensky: The Russian army can be stopped. Global condemnation; at least 48 countries condemned Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles in its attack on Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine with 28 drones and three missiles in nighttime attacks. Ukraine: Russia is using 'non-Russian' missiles; fingers point at the Islamic Republic and North Korea. Britain condemned Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine. Washington expressed concern over Iran and Russia's negotiations for the sale of ballistic missiles. The White House: Russia intends to purchase missile systems from Iran. The Wall Street Journal: Russia is seeking to buy ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic. The U.S. and its allies have urged the Security Council not to remain silent on North Korea's missile program.