Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The United States says Russia is actively seeking additional weapons from North Korea in exchange for food aid.
US national security spokesman John Kirby said he had new information that Russia was actively seeking additional weapons from North Korea.
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“We also understand Russia is trying to send a delegation in North Korea. And Russia is offering North Korea food in exchange for ammunition,” Kirby said on Thursday (30/3), as quoted by Reuters.
He later said, “We remain concerned that North Korea will provide further support for Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.”
(Gambas:Video CNN)
According to the US official, any arms deal between Russia and North Korea would violate a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Kirby also noted Pyongyang’s recent statement that it would not provide or sell weapons to Russia.
“We continue to monitor this closely,” he said.
Kirby’s comments came after the US launched sanctions against Slovak citizens for trying to arrange dozens of types of North Korean weapons and ammunition to Russia.
The weapon is said to help Russian troops replace the main defense system tool (Alutsista) which was destroyed by the war in Ukraine.
Kirby also noted Pyongyang’s recent statement that it would not provide or sell weapons to Russia.
“We continue to monitor this closely,” he said.
Reports about weapons aid from North Korea to Russia are not the first time. In November, the US accused North Korea of secretly sending artillery shells to Russia.
To obfuscate the shipment, North Korea appears to be funneling it through countries in the Middle East and North Africa. However, North Korea’s military denied the accusations.
Deputy Director of Military Foreign Affairs at North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense warned against spreading baseless rumours.
“We consider such a US move as part of a hostile attempt to tarnish the image of the DPRK (North Korea) in the international arena,” the statement read last November, as quoted by Yonhap.
(isa/bac)