Russia has been deepening its arms trade with nations under United Nations (U.N.) embargoes as it continues its war in Ukraine. By turning to Iran, North Korea, and even the Taliban in Afghanistan, Russia is finding ways to secure weapons and military equipment in violation of international rules. These partnerships are alarming, as they undermine global sanctions and feed the conflict that has already caused massive destruction in Ukraine.
Iran’s Drones and Missiles Fuel Russia’s War Machine
Iran has become one of Russia’s key partners in its war effort. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Iran has sent thousands of kamikaze drones to Russia, including Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 drones. These drones are used to target Ukraine’s infrastructure, like power plants and bridges, and to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Ukraine reported that Russia has used more than 8,000 Iranian-designed drones in the war, some made with parts and technology Iran provided to a factory in Russia. Beyond drones, Iran has sent hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia this year, helping to restock its dwindling arsenal.
In return, Russia is supplying Iran with advanced weapons like Su-35 fighter jets and high-tech air defense systems. Some reports even suggest that Iran has already received Russian military technology to train its pilots. Iran’s government also supports Russia’s actions politically, aligning its statements with Moscow’s narrative and blaming the West and NATO for the war.
This arms trade violates U.N. sanctions meant to prevent Iran from exporting weapons or receiving advanced military technology. These sanctions aim to limit Iran’s influence and stop it from destabilizing other countries. By working with Iran, Russia not only fuels its war but also strengthens Iran’s ability to make and sell more weapons.
North Korea’s Massive Shell Shipments
North Korea has become another key supplier for Russia’s war effort. Since late 2023, North Korea has reportedly sent up to 5 million artillery shells to Russia. This is significant because Russia can only produce 2 to 3 million shells per year, making these shipments critical to its military.
In addition to shells, Russia has used North Korean-made ballistic missiles, though many reports say these missiles often fail. Nevertheless, North Korea’s weapons are keeping Russian forces supplied as they continue fighting in Ukraine.
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Russia supports North Korea diplomatically by vetoing U.N. resolutions that would renew sanctions against Pyongyang. These sanctions were designed to stop North Korea’s nuclear and weapons programs and to prevent it from illegally transferring goods at sea. In 2024, Russia and North Korea even signed a strategic partnership treaty, promising military and other support if either nation is attacked.
This trade clearly violates U.N. rules that ban arms deals with North Korea. These sanctions were put in place to curb the dangerous spread of weapons from North Korea, yet Russia is helping the country grow its arms industry.
Strengthening Ties with the Taliban
While Russia officially classifies the Taliban as a terrorist group, it has been building a relationship with the group since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021. Taliban representatives have attended Russian economic forums, and there are talks about using Afghanistan as a hub for Russian trade routes.
Russia is exploring the idea of exporting natural gas through Afghanistan to India and Pakistan. To make this happen, Russia would need to build pipelines and railroads across Afghan territory. These projects could strengthen Russia’s economic ties with the Taliban, even though the Taliban is under international sanctions for its human rights abuses and links to terrorism.
No country, including Russia, formally recognizes the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan. However, Russia’s growing cooperation with the group raises concerns that it is undermining global efforts to isolate the Taliban.
By deepening these partnerships, Russia is breaking U.N. sanctions designed to prevent weapons proliferation and punish human rights violations. This growing arms trade is helping Russia sustain its war in Ukraine, while empowering regimes that are already considered dangerous by the international community.
