Tag: Russia

America is Under Attack—Russia Invasion
Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It has a rich and complex history, with a legacy that stretches back through the ages, from the medieval state of Kievan Rus’ to the rise and fall of the Soviet Union.
Geography
- Area: 17.1 million square kilometers (6.6 million square miles).
- Borders: Russia shares borders with 14 countries, including China, Ukraine, Finland, and Norway, among others. It also has coastlines along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.
- Regions: The country can be divided into European Russia (west of the Ural Mountains) and Asian Russia (Siberia and the Far East). Major geographic features include vast forests, the Siberian Taiga, the Ural Mountains, and Lake Baikal (the world’s deepest freshwater lake).
Political Structure
- Government: Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government.
- Current Leadership:
  - President: Vladimir Putin (since 1999, with some interruptions in title but maintaining significant power).
  - Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin.
- Capital: Moscow.
- Political System: The political landscape is dominated by the United Russia party, with Putin maintaining significant influence over both domestic and foreign policy. Opposition parties and leaders face limitations and, in some cases, suppression.
Economy
- Key Industries:
  - Energy: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas. Energy exports, particularly to Europe and China, are a major part of its economy.
  - Metals & Mining: The country has abundant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and precious metals.
  - Defense and Military Industry: Russia is a major exporter of arms and military equipment.
- Challenges: Economic challenges include sanctions imposed by Western countries, a heavy reliance on natural resource exports, and issues with corruption and cronyism.
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB).
History
- Kievan Rus’: The roots of the Russian state trace back to this early medieval Slavic federation.
- Russian Empire: Formed in the early 18th century under Peter the Great, expanding its influence across Eurasia.
- Soviet Union (1922–1991): After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Soviet Union emerged as a socialist state and became a global superpower, particularly after World War II. Its collapse in 1991 led to significant political and economic upheaval.
- Post-Soviet Russia: Transitioned to a market economy but faced issues like corruption, inequality, and economic volatility during the 1990s under Boris Yeltsin. Vladimir Putin’s rise in the early 2000s brought political stability, though at the cost of democratic freedoms.
Demographics
- Population: About 146 million people (2024 estimate).
- Ethnic Composition: Majority are ethnic Russians, with significant minority groups including Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chechens, and others.
- Religion: The Russian Orthodox Church is the dominant religion, though the country is home to Muslims, Buddhists, and other religious groups.
- Languages: Russian is the official language, and numerous minority languages are recognized in various regions.
Foreign Relations
- Ukraine Conflict: The most significant geopolitical issue for Russia in recent years has been the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and escalated into a full-scale war in 2022.
- Western Sanctions: In response to the Ukraine war, Russia has been subjected to severe economic sanctions from Western nations, affecting its economy and international trade. However, it maintains close ties with countries like China, India, and Iran.
- Global Influence: Russia continues to project power globally through its military, energy exports, and cyber activities. It maintains significant influence in former Soviet states and has an active presence in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
Culture
- Arts & Literature: Russia has a rich cultural tradition, especially in literature (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky), music (Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky), and ballet (Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres).
- Sports: Russia is a powerhouse in many sports, including ice hockey, gymnastics, and figure skating. However, doping scandals have led to international sanctions in athletics.
Russia’s vast size, historical complexity, and central role in geopolitics make it a crucial player on the global stage, particularly in energy markets and international diplomacy.
Russia’s military, officially known as the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is one of the largest and most powerful in the world. It plays a critical role in Russia’s national defense and its projection of power globally. The military is divided into several branches and has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years, especially under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Below are key aspects of the Russian military:
Overview of the Russian Armed Forces
- Commander-in-Chief: President Vladimir Putin.
- Defense Minister: Sergey Shoygu.
- Chief of the General Staff: General Valery Gerasimov.
Branches of the Armed Forces
1. Russian Ground Forces (Army)
2. Russian Navy
3. Russian Aerospace Forces
4. Strategic Missile Forces (nuclear)
5. Airborne Troops (VDV)
6. Special Operations Forces (SSO)
Size and Personnel
- Active Personnel: Estimated around 1 million (2024 estimate).
- Reserve Personnel: Around 2 million.
- Conscription: Russia has mandatory military service for males, typically for one year, though many conscripts serve as reservists after their service. Russia also has a growing number of professional contract soldiers (known as “kontraktniki”).
Military Budget and Modernization
- Defense Budget: Approximately $90–110 billion USD (fluctuates due to economic conditions and sanctions), making Russia the fourth-largest military spender globally.
- Modernization Programs: Since the early 2000s, Russia has invested heavily in modernizing its military. The aim has been to replace outdated Soviet-era equipment with modern technology, improve the professionalism of its forces, and enhance capabilities in cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and precision weaponry.
  - Advanced Weaponry: Modern systems include the T-14 Armata battle tank, S-400 and S-500 air defense systems, and Kalibr cruise missiles.
  - Hypersonic Missiles: Russia has focused on developing hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal and Avangard, which are difficult to intercept with existing missile defense systems.
  - Nuclear Modernization: Russia has revamped its strategic nuclear forces, maintaining its status as one of the two largest nuclear powers in the world (alongside the United States).
Military Branches Breakdown
1. Russian Ground Forces
- Size: Around 300,000 active personnel.
- Capabilities: The Ground Forces are the backbone of Russia’s military power, with an emphasis on armored warfare (tanks, infantry fighting vehicles) and artillery. Russia is known for its significant use of artillery and missile systems, as demonstrated in recent conflicts.
- Equipment:
  - Tanks: T-72, T-90, and the latest T-14 Armata.
  - Artillery: BM-30 Smerch, 2S19 Msta, and Iskander missile systems.
  - Air Defense: Buk, Tor, and Pantsir systems for mobile air defense.
2. Russian Navy
- Fleets: The Russian Navy is divided into four fleets and one flotilla:
  - Northern Fleet (focused on Arctic and North Atlantic regions)
  - Pacific Fleet
  - Baltic Fleet
  - Black Sea Fleet
  - Caspian Flotilla (smallest, operates on the Caspian Sea).
- Capabilities:
  - Nuclear Submarines: Russia has a formidable submarine fleet, with Borei-class and Typhoon-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), which serve as a key part of its nuclear triad.
  - Surface Fleet: Russia’s surface fleet includes cruisers, destroyers, and smaller corvettes and frigates. The most famous is the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft carrier (though it is undergoing long-term repairs).
  - Kalibr Cruise Missiles: These have been used extensively in operations in Syria and Ukraine, capable of being launched from ships and submarines.
3. Russian Aerospace Forces
- Role: Merged in 2015 from the Russian Air Force and the Aerospace Defense Forces, this branch controls both air operations and space-based defense assets.
- Combat Aircraft: Russia maintains a large fleet of fighter jets, bombers, and attack helicopters, with advanced platforms such as the Sukhoi Su-57 (stealth fighter), Su-35, and MiG-31.
- Strategic Bombers: The Tupolev Tu-160 (Blackjack) and Tu-95 (Bear) are long-range bombers capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads.
- Air Defense: Russia has one of the most sophisticated air defense systems in the world, relying on S-400 and the more advanced S-500 systems.
4. Strategic Missile Forces
- Nuclear Deterrence: The Strategic Missile Forces are responsible for the land-based component of Russia’s nuclear triad, operating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
- Key ICBMs:
  - RS-24 Yars: Modern road-mobile ICBM.
  - RS-28 Sarmat: A heavy ICBM capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, including hypersonic glide vehicles like Avangard.
- Global Reach: Russian ICBMs are designed to strike targets across the globe, with an emphasis on maintaining second-strike capabilities.
5. Russian Airborne Troops (VDV)
- Role: Highly mobile, elite forces capable of rapid deployment. They are often used in special operations and spearhead larger ground invasions. The VDV played a major role in the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
- Equipment: The VDV is equipped with airborne-specific vehicles such as the BMD family of infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-D armored personnel carriers.
6. Special Operations Forces (SSO)
- Role: Russia’s elite special operations command is tasked with counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, sabotage, and targeted strikes. They operate both domestically and in foreign operations, including Syria and Ukraine.
Recent Conflicts and Operations
- Ukraine Conflict: Russia’s military has been heavily involved in Ukraine since 2014 (annexation of Crimea) and escalated into full-scale warfare in 2022. This conflict has been a major test of Russian military capabilities, with significant use of artillery, drones, electronic warfare, and combined arms operations. However, the war has also revealed weaknesses in logistics, command structures, and troop morale.
- Syria: Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War in 2015 to support President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian military has used Syria as a testing ground for new weapons and tactics, including air power, naval operations, and special forces deployments.
Cyber and Electronic Warfare
Russia is recognized as a world leader in cyber warfare and electronic warfare. The GRU (military intelligence) and other state actors have been linked to cyber-attacks and influence operations globally. Russia also fields advanced electronic warfare units capable of jamming communications, GPS signals, and disrupting enemy radar.
Nuclear Doctrine
Russia maintains the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world, with an estimated 6,000 warheads. Its nuclear strategy is one of “escalate to de-escalate,” where Russia might use tactical nuclear weapons in a conventional conflict to force a ceasefire or favorable negotiations. The Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines are key components of its nuclear deterrent.
Challenges and Limitations
- Sanctions: The Russian military faces challenges related to Western sanctions, particularly in acquiring advanced technology and maintaining supply chains for modern weapons.
- Logistics: The Ukraine conflict has highlighted logistical issues, with difficulties in supply, equipment maintenance, and troop coordination.
- Morale and Training: Reports of low morale, desertions, and poorly trained conscripts have emerged, especially in extended conflicts like Ukraine.
October 19, 2024

Putin in North Korea: What’s Behind the Historic Visit?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in North Korea, meeting Kim Jong Un. This is Putin’s first visit to the country in 24 years.¹ Many wonder why these two leaders are coming together now.

The visit is significant because of rumors about an arms deal between North Korea and Russia.¹ It’s reported that North Korea is giving military supplies to Russia, like artillery and missiles. This helps Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. In return, North Korea gets economic help and access to high-tech military gear.¹

Both sides are under heavy U.N. Security Council sanctions,¹² making their alliance stand out even more. They’re teaming up against what Putin sees as the West’s agenda to dominate global affairs.¹

Key Takeaways

Putin’s visit to North Korea is his first in 24 years, signaling a strategic reset in Russia-North Korea relations.
North Korea is providing Russia with much-needed military equipment for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers.
Both countries are seeking to counter Western influence and build a “multipolar world order” as they face heavy international sanctions.
The deepening ties between Russia and North Korea raise concerns about the potential impact on regional security in the Korean Peninsula.
This historic meeting underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape as traditional alliances and power dynamics continue to evolve.

Russia and North Korea: Allies Against the West

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is shaping new alliances that go against the current international order. As the Associated Press reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have found common ground. They both oppose Western sanctions and aim for a world order without a single dominating power.

Shared Antipathy Toward Western Sanctions

Both Russia and North Korea face heavy U.S. and Western sanctions. This has pushed them to build a stronger relationship. They wish to create a world that isn’t controlled by the West. Putin mentioned in North Korean media that both nations will stand against Western attempts to stop a new world order based on justice and respect for one another.³

Pursuit of a “Multipolar World Order”

In matters of North Korean weapons tests, Russia has shielded it against additional U.N. sanctions, showing mutual support.³ This action indicates their shared desire to reshape the current world order. They intend to create a system where the U.S. and its partners have less impact.

Shared Characteristics	Russia	North Korea
Sanctions from the West	Heavily sanctioned by the U.S. and its allies due to the invasion of Ukraine.	Under heavy U.S. and international sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs.
Pursuit of Multipolar World Order	Seeks to challenge the Western-dominated global order and build a more “multipolar” world.	Aligns with Russia’s vision of a multipolar world order, providing political cover for each other.
Mutual Economic and Political Support	Providing North Korea with economic assistance and access to military technologies.	Supplying Russia with badly needed munitions for the war in Ukraine.

Deepening Military and Economic Ties

U.S. and South Korea have noticed a big jump in activities between North Korea and Russia since Kim’s meeting with Putin in September 2022.⁴ They say North Korea is giving Russia weapons to use in Ukraine. This might be in exchange for military help from Russia.⁵ Both North Korea and Russia say this is not true.

Alleged Arms Trade Between Moscow and Pyongyang

South Korea’s Defense Minister believes North Korea might have given Russia 5 million shells and many missiles to use against Ukraine.⁴ In exchange, Russia is said to have sent food and aid to help North Korea with its economic issues.⁴

Cooperation in Trade and Payment Systems

Putin stated that Russia and North Korea plan to create new trade and payment systems. These systems should avoid Western control. They also plan to work together against sanctions, which Putin called “illegal.”⁵ Their efforts show they want to strengthen their financial ties and escape Western control.

When Russia voted to end a North Korea sanctions monitor at the UN, it was a big show of support.⁴ Even though there’s been a lot of talk and visits between North Korea and Russia, their actual trade isn’t much. It’s far less than what Russia trades with South Korea or what North Korea trades with China.⁴

Russia and North Korea might be careful about openly helping each other with military technology or making defense pacts.⁴ This could be because North Korea wants to be seen as independent and not relying on others.

They might be working together against the influence of the U.S., with China also having a big effect on their partnership.⁴

Putin in North Korea: A Strategic Move

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea recently. This visit was about a deal involving weapons.³ North Korea gives munitions to Russia. This helps Russia fund its war in Ukraine. In return, Russia supports North Korea with economic aid and new military technologies. North Korea benefits by improving its nuclear and missile programs. The Kremlin is eager for these weapons. It’s a special situation where both sides gain something important.³

Russia’s Need for Munitions and Support

The visit was crucial for Putin and North Korea’s Leader, Kim Jong Un. They used it to strengthen their support against Western pressure.³ Putin visited North Korea to return the favor after Kim’s visit to Russia in September.³ He thanked North Korea for supporting Russia in the Ukraine war. This support is important for both leaders.³

North Korea’s Quest for Military Technologies

North Korea wants advanced military tech in exchange for the weapons it gives Russia. This is part of a larger plan. It deepens North Korea and Russia’s partnership. They want to get around Western sanctions and reach their own goals.³ This strategy helps North Korea improve its military programs.

Key Data	Value
Putin’s last visit to North Korea	2000³
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine	2022³
Containers shipped from North Korea to Russia	About 6,700 between August and February³
Munitions capacity of the containers	More than 3 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells or more than 500,000 rounds of 122 mm multiple rocket launchers³

Implications for Regional Security

The bond between Russia and North Korea worries the U.S. and its friends like South Korea. A U.S. National Security Council leader, John Kirby, warned about this. He mentioned that the strong Russia-North Korea ties could change things on the Korean Peninsula. This is because of both Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear and missile work.⁶

Concerns Over North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions

Folks are scared that Russia working closely with North Korea might boost Kim’s nuclear dreams. This could change power in the area. It might make it harder to make the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free.⁶

Potential Shift in Power Dynamics

South Korea is clear with Russia. They say that any teamwork between them should not go against U.N. rules. It should also not harm the peace in that part of the world.⁶

The Ukraine Factor

Putin went to North Korea to improve ties with Kim Jong Un. This move is part of a bigger plan to boost Russia’s influence. It’s a response to the country’s growing isolation because of the Ukraine war.³ Russia is looking to North Korea for support against the West’s pressure. North Korea, in turn, has helped Russia by blocking new U.N. sanctions. These sanctions were meant to punish North Korea for its weapons tests. Kim Jong Un also backs Putin’s moves in Ukraine. This support has brought the two countries closer together.

Russia’s Isolation and Need for Allies

Russia is getting more isolated because of the conflict in Ukraine. To fight this, the Kremlin is reaching out to North Korea and other countries. This effort aims to keep Russia strong amid the West’s challenges.

North Korea’s Support for Russia’s Actions

North Korea has stood by Russia, stopping new U.N. sanctions against itself. This support has made their bond stronger. Together, they aim to counter the West and follow their own global plans.

A New Era of Cooperation

In recent times, tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea stands out. It signifies a chance for the two countries to change how they interact with each other.¹ Their talks cover more than just military and economic areas. Putin and Kim Jong Un will also discuss how they can team up on things like tourism, culture, and education.¹

This means both leaders are looking at a bigger and more varied relationship. It could start a fresh phase in Russia-North Korea ties.¹ Putin mentioned a focus on growing their partnership in these areas. This is a step away from just dealing with security and economic issues.¹

Plans for Expanded Ties in Tourism and Education

The growing connection between Russia and North Korea has worried the U.S. and its friends in the region.¹ Yet, exploring chances in tourism, culture, and education shows a push towards a broader, more balanced relationship between these nations.¹

Putin and Kim Jong Un aim to start a new era of cooperation. It goes way beyond the usual security and economic matters.¹ This effort could lead to more sharing of culture, working together on education, and bringing people closer. It would build a more multifaceted cooperation between Russia and North Korea.¹

Sector	Potential Areas of Cooperation
Tourism	Visa-free travel agreements Promotion of cultural and historical sites Joint tourism packages and marketing campaigns
Education	Student and faculty exchange programs Collaborative research projects Joint degree programs and academic partnerships

As Russia and North Korea change how they work together, tourism and education are becoming key focus points. This shift could lead to a new era of cooperation. It would go beyond the usual limits and help both countries understand each other better.¹

International Reaction and Concerns

Russia and North Korea are getting closer, making the U.S. and its allies worried. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby finds the Moscow-Pyongyang friendship “concerning.” This is because it might affect the war in Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula’s security⁷.

U.S. and South Korean Warnings

South Korea has told Russia to avoid actions against U.N. resolutions. They fear this could disrupt peace in the region⁷. There is worry that increasing military and economic ties could be used against North Korea⁷.

Potential Violations of UN Sanctions

The U.S. is worried that Russia and North Korea’s partnership could help North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. This might break U.N. sanctions⁷. The growing bond between them has led to concerns about more tension and security risks³⁸.

Statistic	Source
Putin’s first visit to North Korea since 2000	³
North Korea provided about 6,700 containers to Russia between August and February	³
Moscow vetoed a UN resolution to renew independent monitoring of North Korea’s violations of Security Council sanctions	³
South Korea fired warning shots on Tuesday after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed into the South, the second such incident in two weeks	³
North Korea was accused of providing artillery, missiles, and military equipment to Russia to aid its war in Ukraine in 2023	⁸
Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution, ending monitoring of sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear program in 2024	⁸

Historical Context

Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years. This shows a big gap in official visits.¹ Before this, Kim Jong Un had been to Russia’s Far East to meet Putin. That was in September 2022.⁸ Since the Soviet Union ended in 1991, Russia’s connection with North Korea has weakened. The Soviet Union was a big supporter of North Korea.⁸ Putin’s visit is a move to make Russia more influential in North Korea again. He wants to bring back the old ties, even with Russia’s recent global challenges, like the Ukraine war.¹ This effort also shows the changing power balance in the region.

Previous Putin-Kim Meetings

Kim Jong Un and Putin have had a number of meetings. The most recent was in Russia’s Far East in September 2022.⁸ These meet-ups are about making the two countries stronger together. They aim to stand against Western influence and to create a more balanced world.¹

Russia’s Waning Influence in North Korea

Since 1991, when the Soviet Union ended, Russia’s connection with North Korea has gotten weaker.⁸ Putin’s visit now shows an effort to make Russia more important to North Korea again. Despite struggles in Ukraine, Putin wants to gather support from friends, like North Korea.¹

Conclusion

Putin’s recent visit to North Korea marked a big step in their friendship. Both countries are growing closer because they don’t like Western influence. They want to push back against the order led by the U.S. This close bond in military, economic, and political areas worries the U.S. and its friends nearby. They’re afraid this could hurt security in the region and lead to more U.N. sanctions breakage.⁹

As the West draws away from them, these meetings show Russia and North Korea aiming for a new way in the world. They seek to stand by each other against global pressures. The visit’s results and their future relationship could change a lot in the politics of Korea and more.⁹¹⁰

This article ends with talking about how important Putin’s visit was for North Korea. It shows their deepening friendship because they share a dislike for the West. This worries the U.S. and its friends. They fear it might lead to security problems and more U.N. rule breaking. Russia and North Korea stand together, feeling pressed by the West. This moment highlights their push for a different world order. How their relationship will progress can affect Korea and more, for sure.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Putin’s visit to North Korea?

Putin went to North Korea to build back ties with Pyongyang. This is part of a bigger plan to raise Russia’s influence and rebuild old Soviet connections. Russia is looking for support as it deals with increased pressure from the West.

What are the key areas of cooperation between Russia and North Korea?

Russia and North Korea are working to get around U.S. sanctions. They aim to push back on what Putin sees as the West trying to control the world. They’re looking at growing together in areas like tourism, culture, education, and also in the military and economy.

What is the alleged arms trade between Russia and North Korea?

The U.S. and South Korea say North Korea is giving Russia weapons for use in Ukraine. They suspect North Korea wants key technology and aid in return. Moscow and Pyongyang both say this isn’t true.

How does the Russia-North Korea relationship affect regional security?

The closer Russia and North Korea get, the more worried the U.S. and friends in the region become. They fear more cooperation could break the U.N.’s existing rules with North Korea. This might affect security in the area, especially in Korea.

What is the historical context of the Russia-North Korea relationship?

Since the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Russia’s ties with North Korea have weakened. The Soviet Union used to heavily support North Korea. Putin’s recent visit, after 24 years without one, shows his push to reestablish ties.

Source Links

June 18, 2024

Tag: Russia

America is Under Attack—Russia Invasion

Geography

Political Structure

Economy

History

Demographics

Foreign Relations

Culture

Overview of the Russian Armed Forces

Branches of the Armed Forces

Size and Personnel

Military Budget and Modernization

Military Branches Breakdown

1. Russian Ground Forces

2. Russian Navy

3. Russian Aerospace Forces

4. Strategic Missile Forces

5. Russian Airborne Troops (VDV)

6. Special Operations Forces (SSO)

Recent Conflicts and Operations

Cyber and Electronic Warfare

Nuclear Doctrine

Challenges and Limitations