North Korea is supplying Russia with military equipment and ammunition, and Pyongyang may receive technology for nuclear and ballistic missiles.
This is stated in a joint statement by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Geun-hye.
The countries strongly condemn the provision of equipment and ammunition to be used against the government and people of Ukraine.
“Such arms transfers, some of which we now confirm have been completed, will significantly increase the human cost of Russia’s aggressive war. We will continue to work with the international community to expose Russia’s attempts to obtain military equipment from the DPRK. Given Russia’s attempt to prolong the war with the help of the DPRK, we remain determined to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and its efforts to counter the consequences of Russia’s aggressive war,” the statement said.
It is noted that in exchange for Moscow’s support, Pyongyang is looking for help to develop its military potential.
“We are closely monitoring any materials that Russia provides to the DPRK in support of Pyongyang’s military goals,” the statement said.
They expressed concern about the possibility of transferring nuclear and ballistic missile technology to North Korea.
“Such actions would jeopardize the ongoing efforts of the international community to keep sensitive technologies out of the hands of actors working to destabilize regional security, threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and around the world, and require renewed response efforts,” the heads of the agencies said.
The United States, Japan, and South Korea have opposed military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia and the impact of these actions on security and nuclear nonproliferation. The statement called on the DPRK and Russia to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and immediately cease all actions that violate them.
