In other cases Russia has sacrificed part of its prized arms export business to the war effort, rerouting arms meant for India and Armenia to Russia’s front line, the two said. Russia’s war machine has likewise acquired more munitions from partners, including ammunition from North Korea. Much of Moscow’s efforts to buy back Russian arms have come as the Kremlin pushed back against an offensive by Ukraine’s forces in the east and south of the country. Russian arms exports likely reached only $8 billion last year, nearly half the 2021 level of $14.5 billion. “In some cases the Defense Ministry requisitioned the arms systems before they even left the factories," the person said.

Source: Wall Street Journal November 08, 2023 23:34 UTC