Sourced fact
The News
According to BBC News, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that the attacks in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in the death of 6 and the injury of 19 people, used missiles from Russia supplied by its ally.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, these claims represent a continued escalation in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, with increased use of unconventional weapons and/or weapons obtained from third countries. This development raises questions about the complex military supply networks involving Russia and its allies, and how this impacts the course of the war.
In the broader context, Russia’s use of unconventional weaponry is not new; there have been previous reports concerning its utilization of the black market to acquire advanced arms. This reflects Russia's ability to find ways to circumvent international sanctions and/or weaken Western military capabilities.
We have also witnessed in recent years a rise in the role of non-traditional actors such as North Korea in supporting the warring parties, adding another layer of complexity to the Ukrainian conflict and emphasizing the importance of understanding the geopolitical contexts driving these relationships.
