WASHINGTON: The White House confirmed on Wednesday that Russia is engaged in secret talks with North Korea to secure a variety of munitions and supplies for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a revelation that raises concerns about potential violations of United Nations resolutions.
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby stated that the arms negotiations between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are actively progressing. The focus of these discussions reportedly revolves around artillery ammunition required by Moscow’s forces.
Kirby underscored that North Korea had clandestinely provided infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in the previous year for utilization by the privately controlled Wagner military group. This disclosure challenges North Korea’s official denials of such dealings.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s recent visit to North Korea to secure additional munitions for the ongoing conflict was highlighted by Kirby. Following this visit, President Vladimir Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un exchanged letters affirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
Russia-North Korea Arms Deal
However, the revelation prompted concerns and criticism at the international level. In a joint statement at the United Nations, the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan emphasized that any arms deal between Russia and North Korea would directly violate Security Council resolutions that explicitly prohibit such transactions with North Korea. These resolutions had previously been endorsed by Moscow itself.
According to the joint statement, after Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang, a group of Russian officials embarked on a follow-up trip to North Korea for further negotiations regarding arms procurement. The statement raised alarm by asserting that Russia is in discussions to acquire significant quantities and various types of munitions from North Korea, which could potentially be deployed against Ukraine.
The statement also highlighted the possibility that the deals might encompass the provision of raw materials, potentially aiding Russia’s defense industrial base.
The joint statement concluded by asserting that any arms deals between Russia and North Korea would constitute serious violations of the Security Council resolutions that were unanimously adopted in response to North Korea’s past nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.
