White House Raises Concerns Over Advancing Weapons Negotiations between Russia and North Korea

The Biden administration announced on Wednesday that it had obtained new intelligence indicating that arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are actively progressing. This development comes amidst concerns that North Korea may provide military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, a move that would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions.

In response, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in facilitating weapons transfers from North Korea to the Wagner Group, a mercenary army fighting for Russia. However, the White House clarified that it has not yet observed direct supply of arms from North Korea to Russia’s armed forces.

“While the DPRK has publicly stated that they will not sell to Russia, we remain concerned about their potential military support to Russia in Ukraine,” stated John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, during a press briefing.

Russia is reportedly seeking artillery ammunition and raw materials from North Korea to circumvent U.S. and international sanctions aimed at weakening its military industry.

“We are closely monitoring this situation and urge North Korea to cease its arms negotiations with Russia, in accordance with their public commitments,” Kirby added.

Regarding the intelligence gathering methods, Kirby could not provide specifics but acknowledged that the clandestine arms negotiations build upon recent public displays of cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Such displays include an exchange of letters between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in which they pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang in July further laid the groundwork for potential arms deals.

Kirby also mentioned that high-level discussions between the two countries may continue in the coming months.

Russia, amidst its ongoing invasion and occupation of Ukraine, is specifically seeking increased artillery supplies, including various types of munitions, to support its operations. However, Ukraine’s counteroffensive in June has faced challenges from entrenched Russian defenses and extensive minefields, making progress slower than anticipated.

To alleviate depleted ammunition stocks, the U.S. has announced the shipment of cluster munitions to Ukraine.

According to Kirby, Russia is also experiencing shortages of munitions due to the prolonged conflict, leading them to seek assistance from North Korea. He emphasized that artillery is a key item in the ongoing gunfight between the two sides.

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