Washington, D.C. — A recent assessment by the National Security Council has revealed that Russia and North Korea are strengthening their military partnership, raising concerns and drawing condemnation from the White House. This collaboration comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues and the United States imposes heavy sanctions on Russia.
Council spokesman John Kirby disclosed alarming details, including a map that supposedly illustrates the flow of lethal aid from North Korea to Russia, destined to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Over the past month, more than 1,000 containers filled with military equipment and munitions have followed this route, according to Kirby.
“We condemn the DPRK for providing Russia with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities, kill Ukrainian civilians, and further Russia’s illegitimate war,” Kirby stated, using the acronym for North Korea.
The United States and its allies have been increasing production and sending military support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has partnered with other nations to sustain its war effort. Notably, Moscow has received Iranian-made drones to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met last month in Russia, a rare summit between two adversaries. During the meeting, Kim expressed support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while Putin mentioned North Korea’s interest in rocket technology, possibly related to the country’s space program. North Korea has attempted to launch satellites but failed twice this year.
The United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on individuals involved in arms negotiations and transfers between Russia and North Korea, whose nuclear program has made it an international pariah.
Kirby also highlighted the possible delivery of Russian military equipment to North Korea, marking a concerning development.
This assessment has once again prompted calls for additional assistance to Ukraine. The White House requested approximately $25 billion in additional funding earlier this year. The Senate initially considered a bill including $6 billion but later removed it in late September as part of an agreement to prevent a government shutdown.
In a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced an additional $200 million in U.S. security aid for Ukraine, increasing the available funding to $5.2 billion, along with approximately $1.6 billion to restock the U.S. military inventory.
However, it is worth noting that congressional approval for further aid depends on the appointment of a confirmed House Speaker, a situation expected to persist following the withdrawal of the previous Republican nominee, Steve Scalise of Louisiana.
