North Korea Contemplating Military Assistance for Russia, According to NSC

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: On July 26, 2023, Sergei Shoigu, the Defense Minister of Russia, holds a meeting with Kang Sun-nam, the Defense Minister of North Korea, in Pyongyang. A delegation from the Russian military, headed by Shoigu, traveled to North Korea to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

A U.S. National Security Council (NSC) official mentioned that North Korea is contemplating offering additional military assistance to Russia, potentially including munitions for use in Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The official, John Kirby, who serves as the NSC coordinator for strategic communications, affirmed that the United States will persist in revealing and imposing sanctions on any endeavors aiding Russia's illicit war against Ukraine.
Kirby stated that Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu recently journeyed to North Korea in an attempt to persuade them to supply munitions to support Russia's war efforts. North Korea had previously reported the visit of the Russian defense minister, noting that it was tied to commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
The NSC official pointed out that information suggests Russia's interest in intensifying military cooperation with North Korea, potentially involving the sale of artillery munitions from North Korea to Russia. This assertion aligns with reports that Ukrainian forces had come into possession of intercepted North Korean rockets while apparently en route to Russia.
Kirby emphasized the violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions that would result from any arms deal between North Korea and Russia. He pledged ongoing efforts to expose and counter Russian attempts to obtain ammunition from North Korea or any other nation willing to support Russia's war in Ukraine. Kirby also linked Russia's pursuit of ammunition from North Korea to the perceived strain on Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting desperation due to the impact of sanctions. He noted that Putin's efforts to secure support for his military operations have extended to countries like North Korea, Iran, and China.

NOTE:

1. Previously, the spokesperson from the State Department had affirmed that in November 2022, North Korea had delivered weapons, comprising infantry rockets and missiles, to the Wagner mercenary group with ties to the Kremlin. However, Pyongyang had refuted this claim.
2. In March 2023, the United States enforced sanctions on an individual from Slovakia — Ashot Mkrtychev (56). It was alleged that this individual attempted to organize the transaction of more than twenty-four varieties of North Korean weaponry and munitions to Russia. This endeavor aimed to aid Moscow in replenishing the depleted military assets during its conflict with Ukraine.

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