WASHINGTON: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is worried about the support Russia could provide for North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes, the alliance’s head said, as Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, aiming to strengthen trade and security ties with the reclusive state.
During a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the alliance’s apprehensions. “We are of course also concerned about the potential support that Russia provides to North Korea when it comes to supporting their missile and nuclear programmes,” Stoltenberg stated, emphasizing the broader implications for global security.
President Putin’s state visit follows accusations from the United States that North Korea has supplied Russia with “dozens of ballistic missiles and over 11,000 containers of munitions” for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This military support from Pyongyang is perceived as a bid to bolster Russia’s position against Western forces.
Stoltenberg pointed out that Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine are being supported not only by North Korea but also by China and Iran, countries that share a common interest in seeing NATO’s influence diminished. “These alliances pose a significant challenge to our collective security,” he remarked.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently expressed concerns about the nature of Russia’s potential reciprocation to North Korea for its military supplies. “Hard currency? Is it energy? Is it capabilities that allow them to advance their nuclear or missile products? We don’t know. But we’re concerned by that and watching carefully,” Campbell stated, underlining the uncertainty and potential risks involved.
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Bonnie Jenkins echoed these concerns, suggesting that North Korea might seek advanced military technologies from Russia. “We believe North Korea is keen to acquire fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies from Russia,” Jenkins noted.
President Putin’s visit and the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea come at a critical juncture, raising alarms within NATO and among Western allies. The potential transfer of advanced military technology and support for North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes could escalate tensions and destabilize the already volatile regional security landscape.
