Russia could fight for years due to old equipment and North Korean support - Expert
Illustrative photo: Russia may continue fighting for several more years due to old equipment and support from North Korea (Getty Images)
The Russian army can continue fighting for another two years due to its large stockpile of old Soviet-era equipment. It is being repaired, combined with parts from other machines, and sent to the front lines, states military expert and former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Ihor Romanenko in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to Romanenko, Russia has a large amount of Soviet-era equipment. They are modernizing it and combining two machines into one combat-ready unit. Despite this, such equipment still fires, moves, and is sent to the front lines.
"As for personnel, technical analysis shows that they will be able to supply their armed forces with personnel for another 4-5 years," he said.
The expert noted that since last summer, the Russian forces have increased their supplies to the armed forces in various ways — from 35,000 to 55,000 people per month.
"For example, regarding ammunition: only North Korea supplies 60% of the ammunition for the Russian Federation and has delivered over 2.5 million recently. Meanwhile, all of Europe has only helped us with one million rounds in the past year and a half," Romanenko explained.
In his opinion, Europe is very slow in restoring the work of defense industry enterprises, and at this pace, the situation could become dangerously threatening.
"Just as at the beginning of 2014 and in 2022, if we consider conventional, i.e., non-nuclear, potential, the armed forces of the Russian Federation had a combat potential greater than that of all European countries combined — without including the Americans, for example. That’s it. We need to approach the evaluation of potential capabilities and real assistance we receive pragmatically," he said.
North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine
North Korea supplies Russia with artillery shells, has sent over 10,000 soldiers, and plans to send a new batch of troops. According to intelligence reports, North Korea may transfer 150 ballistic missiles and additional howitzers to Russia.
Political strategist Taras Zahorodnii assessed whether US President Donald Trump could compel North Korea to stop aiding Russia in the war. During his first term, Trump tried to improve relations with North Korea and even met with Kim Jong-un.
