US warns North Korea of 'severe repercussions' over arms deal with Russia
In a stern warning to North Korea, US officials have cautioned that the secretive nation will face severe repercussions if it proceeds with a proposed arms deal with Russia, according to CNN.
The warning comes amid reports of ongoing negotiations between North Korea and Russia, raising concerns about the potential ramifications on the global stage.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan delivered the message during a press briefing, emphasising that if North Korea were to provide weapons to Moscow for use in the conflict in Ukraine, it would have "dire consequences" for North Korea's international standing.
While Sullivan did not delve into specifics regarding the potential penalties, he highlighted that North Korea is already under strict United Nations and US sanctions due to its weapons of mass destruction program.
"We have continued to convey privately as well as publicly to the North Koreans – and asked allies and partners to do the same – our view that they should abide by their publicly stated commitments that they're not going to provide these weapons," Sullivan said.
The concerns surrounding the arms negotiations escalated following a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang in July, where he sought to persuade North Korea to sell artillery ammunition.
The National Security Council has reported that the arms talks between Russia and North Korea are "actively advancing," with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expecting discussions to continue, including potential "leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia."
However, details about when and where a possible meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin may occur remain undisclosed.
The Russian embassy in Washington was contacted for comment by CNN, while the Kremlin declined to offer any statements on the matter, stating, "We have nothing to say on the subject."
Reports from The New York Times have suggested that a meeting between Kim and Putin in Russia could occur as soon as this month.
During the press briefing, Sullivan also underscored that the discussions between Russia and North Korea underscore the effectiveness of Western economic sanctions in diminishing Moscow's defence industrial base. He added that specific targeted sanctions have been imposed to disrupt any potential use of North Korea as a conduit or source for weapons destined for Russia.
While the exact extent and quality of materials that North Korea may provide remain uncertain, Sullivan expressed concern over Russia's reliance on North Korea to bolster its defence capacity in a prolonged conflict.
Notably, North Korea had delivered infantry rockets and missiles to Russia for use by Wagner forces in the past, with ongoing discussions potentially involving a broader array of munitions and raw materials. Russia has also acquired drones and artillery from Iran.
Beyond the weapons exchange, US officials are closely monitoring the technology sought by North Korea from Russia in exchange for weaponry. North Korea's quest for advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine capabilities raises alarm among US allies in South Korea and Japan, especially in the wake of multiple North Korea intercontinental ballistic missile tests in recent months.
The international community remains vigilant as the situation unfolds, with all eyes on the evolving dynamics between North Korea, Russia, and their potential impact on global stability.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
