Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that the United States has “grave concerns” about the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea.
Speaking in South Korea, Blinken said: “In terms of assistance that Russia may be providing to North Korea, [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea], this is something we are monitoring very closely. Very, very carefully.
“And, of course, we have great concerns about any support for North Korea’s ballistic missile program, nuclear technology, and space launch capabilities,” he added.
North Korea has been supplying Russia with artillery shells and other munitions to further the war effort in Ukraine in recent months, U.S. and South Korean officials said, according to the Associated Press. And they suspect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be seeking Russian technology and other aid in return for strengthening his country’s military.
South Korea warns that North Korea’s spy satellite program is receiving technical assistance from Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who visited Russia on September 13. (Kremlin Press Office/Data/Anadolu Agency, via Getty Images)
“We are seeing a two-way street. We are seeing North Korea providing military equipment to Russia for its brutal invasion of Ukraine.”, But we also see Russia providing technical assistance to North Korea for its own military programs, which is of great concern to South Korea’s security,” Blinken said.
At a news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, Blinken outlined steps countries could take to increase pressure on Russia not to transfer military technology to North Korea in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. It said it had consulted with the South Korean leadership regarding certain further actions.
South Korea says North Korea is believed to be supplying missiles to Russia for attack on Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke during a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in Seoul on Thursday, November 9. (Jung Young Jae/Pool photo via AP)
South Korean intelligence has also suggested that Russia is helping North Korea build and launch its latest reconnaissance satellite.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry addressed the alleged cooperation on Monday, saying North Korea is likely to proceed with the launch in the coming months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured the Russian spaceport Vostochny Cosmodrome in September. (Kremlin Press Office/Data/Anadolu Agency, via Getty Images)
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According to Yonhap News, South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yong-ho said, “It is difficult to predict when North Korea will attempt a third launch. However, there seem to be signs that North Korea will receive technical assistance from Russia.” Stated.
FOX News’ Chris Pandolfo, Timothy H.J. Nerozzi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
