US Intelligence Reports: Russia and North Korea Are “Actively Advancing” Their Arms Deal Negotiations
Despite North Korea’s denial of “rumors,” a new US Intelligence assessment casts doubt on the possibility of a weapons transaction between the dictatorial nation and Russia. On Wednesday, the Biden administration officially expressed its skepticism and referred to both countries as pariah states.
According to reports, Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” their negotiations on the contentious weapons deal, which intends to provide the former considerable ammunition for a range of combat systems, including artillery. The agreement shows how desperate the Kremlin is to bolster its waning invasion of Ukraine.
ANI stated that the weapons transaction has been revived despite North Korea’s outspoken opposition, as shown by a recent US Intelligence assessment. On Wednesday, the Biden administration officially expressed its skepticism and referred to both countries as pariah states. Another official Russian group visited Pyongyang to further the agreement after Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, visited North Korea last month.
Even exchanging letters “pleasing to increase their bilateral cooperation,” Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Premier Kim Jong Un, according to John Kirby, head of strategic communication for the National Security Council.
The Biden administration purposefully discredited the most recent intelligence report in order to inform North Korea that it is still being watched by the US and to continue publicizing Russia’s every move in relation to its attempts to evade Western Sanctions and Source Ammunition for its war. The study also provides in-depth proof of Russia’s frantic outreach to North Korea in support of its invasion of Ukraine.
“We continue to be concerned that the DPRK considers supplying military assistance to Russia’s military forces in Ukraine, and we have new information that we are able to share today about the active advancement of arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK,” Kirby said. Following these conversations, there may be further high-level discussion in the next months.
“Under these prospective agreements, Russia would get considerable numbers and a variety of weapons from the DPRK for deployment in Ukraine by the Russian military. The transfer of raw materials that would support Russia’s military industrial base may also be a part of any prospective accords, according to Kirby, who also vowed that the US would directly move to penalize any party to a deal and urged Pyongyang to terminate talks.
The US Treasury looked into and ultimately sanctioned a network of sanctions evaders that enabled military transfers between Russia and North Korea earlier this month. Kirby went on to say that Russia’s frantic efforts to get weapons from nations like Iran and North Korea was a blatant sign of their plight. To be absolutely blunt, Kirby added, “There is no other way to look at it but desperation and weakness.
During a Security Council Stakeout on Wednesday, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield also charged Russia and North Korea of discussing a weapons deal. It was described as “shameful” by Greenfield and a breach of Russian-backed Security Council resolutions.
Toward the end of 2022, Pyongyang provided Russian mercenary group Wagner with infantry rockets and missiles for its forces in Ukraine. According to Western authorities, Iran also provided Russia with weaponry for use in Ukraine. Iran and North Korea have both refuted these allegations, however.
