Russian invasion of Ukraine/Proxy War

Iran

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1708721050572423505

In September, Russia launched a record 521 Shahed drones against Ukraine. August - 167 July - 246 June - 197 May - 413 The Iranian drones are now assembled in Russia and are possibly even being manufactured domestically as well.

https://twitter.com/ennisoreilly/status/1708724770727199106

Foreign aid to 🇷🇺 Russia during its invasion of 🇺🇦 Ukraine:

🇧🇾 Belarus: Allowed Russian forces to stage a portion of its invasion of Ukraine through Belarusian territory, allowing for the shortest possible route to Kyiv. Russia has also used Belarusian territory to launch missiles into Ukraine.

🇨🇳 China: Estimated to have sold over 100,000 bulletproof vests and helmets to Russia, as well as thermal imaging and commercial drone technology. It is worth noting that the Chinese Red Cross, backed by the Chinese government, has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

🇩🇯 Djibouti: Russia, Iran and China are said to have held naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, operating out of China's naval base in Djibouti City. China has stated that Russian vessels are free to use these docks to resupply, namely the Admiral Kuznetsov. Russia is also believed to be building its own naval base in the city. PMC Wagner also maintains a presence in Djibouti.

🇮🇷 Iran: Said to have sold 200 shipping containers of "materiel" to Russia, worth €140 million, during January 2023. Leased its Shahed-136 drone designs to Russia. Provided Russia with technical expertise in the manufacturing of these drones.

🇲🇻 Maldives: Provided sanction circumvention to Russia through offering refuge to Russian tourists and oligarchs, and through acting as a proxy port for Russia in the purchase of as many as 400,000 US-made semiconductors.

🇲🇲 Myanmar: Suspected to be selling back military supplies it had previously bought from Russia. Confirmed to be providing Russia with 120mm mortar rounds.

🇰🇵 North Korea: US intelligence reports that Russia is shipping grain captured from Ukraine to North Korea in exchange for small arms, ammunition, artillery and shells. Russia has also lifted all of its sanctions it previously had against North Korea. More recently, North Korea agreed to provide Russia with kamikaze drones, various protective and camouflaged clothing and body armour.

🇵🇰 Pakistan: Attended Russia's Army-23 military exposition, where the two countries are said to have "drawn their militaries closer." Pakistan has refused to sanction the Russian government, and instead has increased Russian oil imports, using Chinese Yuan (¥) to purchase said oil. Russia went so far as to offer Pakistan a discount on this oil, though such a discount was later reversed. It is worth noting that Pakistan has sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well.

🇻🇳 Vietnam: Held meetings with Russia with the goal of "enhancing military cooperation" and "training and military technical partnerships." It is worth noting that the Prime Minister of Vietnam announced $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine in May 2022.