The Biden administration has issued a warning to both North Korea and Russia, stating that they will face new sanctions if Pyongyang provides weapons to Moscow during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States also emphasized its commitment to enforcing existing measures against both countries.
State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, reminded both North Korea and Russia that any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would be a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. Miller stated that the US has vigorously enforced sanctions against entities funding Russia’s war efforts and will continue to do so, without hesitation to impose new sanctions if necessary.
Miller made these remarks just hours before North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Vladivostok for rare talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Western media reports suggest that Kim wants to discuss further military cooperation with Russia, while the Kremlin has indicated that the summit will tackle a range of sensitive issues.
The concern in the West stems from the fact that North Korea possesses one of the world’s largest artillery stockpiles, leading to fears that Kim may sell weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. The US National Security Advisor previously claimed that negotiations on an arms deal between North Korea and Russia were advancing. While specifics about the potential actions were not provided, US officials have warned North Korea that it would face consequences in the international community if it provided weaponry to Moscow.
Miller argued that Putin’s decision to seek military assistance from Kim indicated a strategic failure in Ukraine. He described Kim as an international pariah and criticized Putin for traveling within his own country to beg for military support. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the outcome of the Putin-Kim talks, with Miller stating that the US will take note of any developments.
In response to queries about the effectiveness of current sanctions, Miller asserted that Putin’s willingness to meet with Kim is proof of the success of Washington’s efforts to deny Russia the technology and raw materials it needs for its military operation in Ukraine.
While Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces launched in early June has not resulted in reclaiming significant territories, Miller maintained that Kiev is making tangible progress. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Ukrainian forces. President Putin revealed at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that Ukraine’s military has suffered significant losses since the counteroffensive began.
In conclusion, the Biden administration is actively monitoring the situation and is prepared to impose additional measures if North Korea provides weapons to Russia during the conflict in Ukraine. The US is committed to enforcing and strengthening existing sanctions and believes that Putin’s attempt to seek military help from Kim Jong-un demonstrates the impact of their efforts in limiting Russia’s capabilities.
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