The White House said on Friday that North Korea has sent more than 1,000 containers filled with military equipment and munitions to Russia in support of its ongoing war in Ukraine. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that the United States believes that Kim is trading the munitions for advanced Russian weapons technology, aiming to bolster North Korea’s nuclear program, news agency Associated Press reported.
The US had previously raised concerns over North Korea’s potential involvement in replenishing Russia’s depleted munition stocks during the extended conflict in Ukraine. This came as last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un embarked on a visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin and tour key military sites.
ALSO READ | ‘Hamas Takes Evil To Another Level’: US Defense Secretary In Israel Stresses ‘Time For Resolve, Not Revenge’
The White House has released images that it claims depict the containers being loaded onto a Russian-flagged vessel before being transported by train to southwestern Russia. According to the White House, the containers were shipped between September 7 and October 1, traveling from Najin, North Korea, to Dunay, Russia, AP reported.
In the past, the United States has accused North Korea of providing ammunition, artillery shells, and rockets to Russia.
Following Kim’s meeting with President Putin, he called for a significant increase in nuclear weapons production and urged North Korea to play a more substantial role in a coalition of nations challenging the United States in what was described as a “new Cold War”, as per North Korean state media.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim made these declarations during a two-day session of the country’s rubber-stamp parliament, which also amended the constitution to incorporate his policy of expanding North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
State media in North Korea reported that Kim and Putin deepened their “comradely fellowship and friendly ties” during Kim’s six-day visit to Russia, his lengthiest foreign excursion since assuming leadership. Although discussions were held regarding enhancing defense relations, specific steps were not disclosed.
The visit added fuel to the speculations that both countries, locked in confrontations with the West, maybe pursuing arms transfer deals in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive