North Korea provides Russia with weapons for Ukraine, White House says

U.S. intelligence officials have uncovered evidence that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions for use in its war against Ukraine, the White House said Friday.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters the military shipments occurred in recent weeks and, in exchange, Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia, including surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles and missile production equipment.

“We condemn the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] for providing Russia with this military equipment, which will be used to attack Ukrainian cities, kill Ukrainian civilians and further Russia’s illegitimate war,” Mr. Kirby said. “We will continue to monitor any additional DPRK arms shipments to Russia.”

Mr. Kirby said the U.S. is taking a “range of steps” alongside its allies in response to the arms transfer, including sanctions on individuals and entities that helped facilitate the deal. He also said new sanctions could be imposed, but did not elaborate. The U.S. plans to raise the issue at the United Nations, according to Mr. Kirby.

The North Korean support for Russia comes after a rare summit last month in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Mr. Kim told his Russian counterpart that he could count on North Korea’s “full and unconditional support” for Russia’s “sacred fight” to defend its security interests, a clear reference to the war in Ukraine.