International Arms Trade: Russia's Controversial Resupply Tactics and Sanctioned Weapon Circulation

Russia is resorting to export requisitions and buybacks to replenish its diminishing arsenal as it continues its invasion of Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reports that Russian officials have approached countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, Belarus, and Brazil to recover engines and transport helicopters lost to Ukrainian defenses. Moscow is also increasing domestic production. The war in Ukraine has caused tens of thousands of casualties and strained diplomatic relations between Russia and the West. Meanwhile, Russia has withdrawn from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, citing NATO's expansion as a hindrance to cooperation. Ukraine's counteroffensive has been hindered by delays in receiving weaponry from Western allies.