Russia is in stronger position than year ago, has advantage in Ukraine - Norwegian intelligence

Russia has gained a military advantage in Ukraine due to a larger reserve of troops and material support from such countries as North Korea and China

This was stated by the head of Norwegian military intelligence, Nils Andreas Stensønes, BR24 reports.

According to him, Kyiv will need significant military assistance from the West to have a hope of changing the situation.

"In this war, Russia is now in a stronger position than it was a year ago and is gaining the upper hand," Stensones said.

He added that Russia can mobilise about three times as many people as Ukraine. Russia is adapting to the sanctions "better than expected" and the industry is able to produce enough "ammunition, combat vehicles, drones and missiles". In addition, Russia receives military support from Iran, Belarus and North Korea.

Stensønes noted that China does not supply weapons, but "machines, vehicles, electronics and spare parts" that are useful for the Russian defence industry.

• On February 7, the United States stated that Russia had launched ballistic missiles made in North Korea at least 9 times at Ukrainian territory.