The United States has announced sanctions on two Russian individuals and three Russian companies for their involvement in facilitating arms transfers between Russia and North Korea. This includes the transfer of ballistic missiles intended for use in Ukraine. This move, initiated by the Treasury and State departments, aims to disrupt and expose the illicit arms trade between the two nations, as highlighted in a recent Treasury Department statement.
Allegations have been made by the US, claiming that Russia has utilized North Korea as a conduit to support its military actions in Ukraine. The US further asserts that the close relationship between Russia and North Korea poses a significant threat to global security and the international non-proliferation regime, according to Reuters.
“Today’s action reflects our commitment to disrupt the DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea) deepening military cooperation with Russia,” Brian Nelson, the under secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in the statement. “The United States will continue to take action to hold accountable those who seek to facilitate the shipment of weapons and other materiel to enable Russia’s war,” Nelson added.
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea
The statement revealed a notable increase in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, highlighting Pyongyang’s provision of ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia in exchange for military assistance. The collaboration between the two nations has intensified over the past year, reflecting a strategic alignment that has significant implications.
In response to these concerning developments, new sanctions have been imposed. This action comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping solidified their ‘strategic partnership,’ emphasizing their united stance while criticizing the United States, particularly regarding North Korea.
They also coincided with a U.S. announcement that it was seeking information about three North Korean workers linked to the Communist country’s Munitions Industry Department and an American accomplice involved in a scheme to secure illicit IT work with U.S. firms and government agencies.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Russia had already used upwards of 40 North Korean-produced ballistic missiles against Ukraine, as well as munitions, importing them in contravention of United Nations resolutions.
Russia and China, North Korea’s oldest ally, have repeatedly blocked attempts to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea over its banned ballistic missile tests, according to Al Jazeera.
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