White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby answered journalists’ questions at an online press conference.
Saying that because of the sanctions, Russia is trying to procure weapons and equipment from “rogue regimes”, Kirby said they are concerned that North Korea will provide more support to Russia as part of its military operations against Ukraine.
Kirby announced that they have new information that Russia is actively trying to buy additional ammunition from North Korea in exchange for food supplies.
Saying that Russia is trying to send a delegation to North Korea in this context, Kirby said, “Any arms deal between North Korea and Russia directly violates a series of UN Security Council resolutions.” used the phrase.
Noting that they are closely examining the situation, Kirby also reported that an “arms dealer” named Ashot Mkrtychev is at the center of Russia’s efforts to purchase weapons and ammunition from North Korea.
Kirby said that with the support of the Russian authorities, Mkrtychev tried to mediate a secret arms deal between the two countries, and by this means, Russia aimed to buy different types of weapons and ammunition from Pyongyang.
Coordinator Kirby shared satellite photos of the wagons that they thought were carrying rockets and missiles, saying that they documented that Russia had purchased weapons from North Korea for use in Ukraine in January.