United States: The United States has warned North Korea over the sale of munitions to Russia for its war in Ukraine as tensions between Pyongyang and Washington continue to rise. White House national security spokesperson Mr. John Kirby stated that the US is concerned about potential arms deals between Russia and North Korea.
“We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments that Pyongyang has made to not provide or sell arms to Russia,” Mr. Kirby commented, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The White House spokesman noted that the US believes Russia’s Defence Minister Mr. Sergei Shoigu tried to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Moscow when he visited North Korea and met with its leader Mr. Kim Jong Un in July.
“We remain concerned that the DPRK continues to consider providing military support to Russia’s military forces in Ukraine,” Mr. Kirby further remarked, citing “new information” that such talks were advancing. “High-level discussions may continue in the coming months,” the US spokesman added.
The US has been warning its competitors, including China, against helping Russia in its military offensive in Ukraine. Mr. Kirby’s comments came just weeks after Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin and Mr. Kim exchanged letters vowing to strengthen ties between their two countries.
In 2022, the US accused North Korea of covertly shipping artillery shells to Russia. Both North Korea and Russia have previously denied the US’s allegations about weapons. However, North Korea has sided with Russia over the war in Ukraine, insisting that the “hegemonic policy” of the US-led West has forced Moscow to take military action.
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