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Putin's bid for North Korean weapons, Cuban fighters show signs of desperation
[The Hill] Attempting to negotiate arms deals with Kim Jong Un and trafficking Cuban soldiers are just the latest signs of Russia’s growing desperation as it struggles to maintain its fighting force in Ukraine. As Ukraine’s counteroffensive enters it fourth month, Russian forces are strained under heavy casualties, lack of equipment, limited training and low morale, forcing Moscow to look outside its borders for any help it can gain, U.S. officials, lawmakers and experts say. With a new meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin soon expected, such a visit is indicative of the Russian leader’s "international pariah status" leading to "trouble sustaining the military effort," according to State Department spokesperson Matt Miller. "Not only has he failed to achieve his goals on the battlefield, but you see him traveling across his own country, hat in hand, to beg Kim Jong Un for military assistance," Miller told reporters of Putin on Monday. And Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) earlier Monday on MSNBC said Putin is "desperate for more equipment, he’s desperate for more support," forcing him to "make a devil’s deal." Posted by: Besoeker 2023-09-12 |
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