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The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war is intricately linked to a broader campaign by aggressor nations that continue to support Moscow, with a common goal of reshaping the current world order towards authoritarianism, according to Herbert Raymond McMaster, former National Security Advisor to the U.S. President and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General.
In an interview with Ukrinform on Wednesday, McMaster underscored that countries such as North Korea, Iran, and China are directly contributing to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine is connected to the wider actions of aggressor nations supporting Russia’s military operations,” McMaster said, adding that these countries share a unified objective of undermining the global democratic framework.
He pointed out that North Korea, often labeled a pariah state, has provided approximately $40 billion worth of assistance to Russia, including 6-8 million artillery shells and human resources.
Meanwhile, Iran has supplied Russia with drones, while receiving technical support and assistance with missile and, potentially, nuclear programs in return.
McMaster also highlighted China’s role in financing Russia’s efforts by purchasing energy resources, thus bolstering Russia’s economy, which is struggling to stay afloat.
The former national security advisor also warned that a perceived decline in U.S. commitment to Ukraine could lead to further Chinese aggression, particularly against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
Moreover, McMaster warned that those advocating for a shift in U.S. priorities, such as focusing on competition with China, fail to grasp the inseparable link between confronting China and the outcome of the war in Ukraine.
“I could present this argument to the Secretary of Defense or anyone who believes the U.S. should reduce its support for Ukraine,” he added.
He described this situation as a “mutually reinforcing issue” involving a coalition of aggressor nations with differing plans but a shared aim of destroying the existing world order.
