In a recent statement, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated the country's denial of exporting weapons to Russia. The ongoing accusations from the U.S., South Korea, and other nations regarding North Korea's alleged supply of artillery and missiles to Russia for its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine have been consistently refuted by both North Korea and Russia.
Foreign experts have suggested that North Korea's recent artillery and missile tests may be linked to potential arms deals with Russia. However, Kim Yo Jong dismissed these claims as 'the most absurd paradox' and emphasized that North Korea has no intention of sharing its military capabilities with other countries.
Kim Yo Jong clarified that the weapons tests conducted by North Korea are part of a five-year arms buildup plan initiated in 2021. She specifically mentioned that the tested weapons are designed for defensive purposes against potential threats, particularly targeting the South Korean capital, Seoul.
In response to the situation, South Korea's Unification Ministry expressed readiness to counter any military threats from North Korea in collaboration with its alliance with the U.S. The ministry highlighted the urgency of halting any illicit arms transactions between North Korea and Russia, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Reports from South Korean officials indicated that North Korea had allegedly shipped thousands of containers of military equipment to Russia, receiving aid in return. The U.S. National Security Council also previously mentioned North Korea-supplied missiles being used in Ukraine, while the White House raised concerns about Russia exceeding petroleum shipment limits to North Korea.
The deepening ties between North Korea and Russia coincide with their separate conflicts with the United States, involving nuclear advancements by North Korea and the ongoing war in Ukraine by Russia. North Korea's recent missile tests have prompted increased military drills by the U.S. with South Korea and Japan, with experts suggesting that North Korea aims to strengthen its diplomatic leverage through an expanded weapons arsenal.
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