Russian Arms Deal With North Korea 'Actively Advancing', White House Says

Washington D.C./31.08.23/Turan:  The White House said on Wednesday that it possesses new intelligence demonstrating that arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea (DPRK) are “actively advancing,” TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

National Security Council's John Kirby voised Washington's concern over Moscow-Pyongyang talks during a virtual press conference with reporters. “On numerous occasions, the DPRK has said publicly that they will not sell to Russia, but we remain concerned that the DPRK continues to consider providing military support to Russia’s military forces in Ukraine,” Kirby told reporters.

The deal, if materialized, would “directly violate a number of U.N. Security Council resolutions,” Kirby said. Under the deals, Russia would receive arms that the military plans to use in the war with Ukraine, he added.

The U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities they sya have facilitated weapons transfers from the DPRK to the Wagner Group. The State Department said that it has not yet observed Pyongyang directly supplying Russia’s armed forces. “We’re continuing to monitor this situation closely” Kirby added.

Last month, Russia's  Sergei Shoigu traveled to Pyongyang for DPRK’s celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement with South Korea.

Kirby said Shoigu’s trip helped 'lay the groundwork' to discuss potential arms deals, and that “high level discussions may continue in coming months,” U.S. believes.

Putin and Kim Jong Un, have recently exchanged letters pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation,” Kirby reminded.

Alex Raufoglu