Initiated during Schoigu’s visit?
Russia is reportedly negotiating an arms deal with North Korea
August 30, 2023, 8:36 p.m
Russia is a huge arms producer, but has to rely on help from Iran for the invasion of Ukraine. Another country could also help out with ammunition: North Korea. At least that’s what US secret services claim. Meanwhile, Pyongyang is active on another front.
According to the US government, Russia and North Korea are negotiating arms deals in the midst of the Ukraine war. This comes from information from the secret services, said the Communications Director of the National Security Council, John Kirby, in Washington.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently traveled to North Korea to persuade Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia. Since that visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have exchanged letters pledging to expand their bilateral cooperation, he said. With the envisaged arms deals, Russia would receive from North Korea “significant quantities and several types of ammunition” “that the Russian military intends to use in Ukraine,” Kirby said.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Shoigu traveled to North Korea at the end of July and took part in a night military parade there. The official reason for the trip was the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. During the visit, Shoigu and ruler Kim also agreed on “matters of mutual interest in the area of national defense and security and the regional and international security environment,” state media reported.
The US government repeatedly publishes targeted intelligence information in view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. The US government is calling on North Korea to stop negotiations with Russia, Kirby said.
South Korea tests ballistic missiles
North Korea itself remains in conflict with South Korea. In this context, Pyongyang carried out new missile tests. The South Korean military reports that two short-range missiles were fired towards the open sea. The ballistic missiles were launched in the night from Wednesday to Thursday (local time) near the capital Pyongyang, the general staff in Seoul said.
The launch of the rocket was also seen in South Korea as a sign of protest against ongoing military exercises by the South Korean and US armed forces. According to information, the rockets flew about 360 kilometers towards the Sea of Japan (Korean: East Sea), where they crashed into the water.
South Korea’s military accused North Korea of renewed provocation. The country ruled by ruler Kim Jong Un is prohibited by UN resolutions from launching ballistic missiles of any range, even if it is only for exercises. Depending on the design, such rockets can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The armed forces would continue their exercises with the US without restrictions, said South Korea’s top command authority.
On Wednesday, both countries undertook an air force exercise over the Yellow Sea between the Korean peninsula and China. In addition to fighter jets, at least one B-1B supersonic bomber was also used. B-1B bombers in their current version – unlike B-52 bombers, for example – are no longer used to transport nuclear weapons. The air force exercise took place in conjunction with the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield summer maneuvers, which are scheduled to conclude on Thursday after 11 days.
North Korea regularly accuses the United States and South Korea of preparing for an attack with their military exercises – which both countries deny. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested multiple missiles and guided missiles this year.