Russia’s reliance on China, North Korea and Iran over Ukraine has ‘potential to undermine’: top US official

Russia is increasingly dependent on China, North Korea and Iran as its war against Ukraine strains resources, potentially undermining global “non-proliferation norms” and enhancing disinformation meant to interfere with coming elections in America and other countries, a top US intelligence official warned lawmakers on Monday.

“Growing cooperation and willingness to exchange aid in military, economic, political and intelligence matters [among the four countries] enhances their individual capabilities,” said Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, in testimony supporting her office’s Annual Threat Assessment, a summary of current threats to American national security.