North Korea calls 'North Korea-Russia arms trade rumors' a "ploy to avoid criticism of South Korea-US shell exports"

Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (left), and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korean propaganda media repeatedly denied the 'North Korea-Russia arms trade rumor' while criticizing the artillery shell export negotiations between South Korea and the United States.

The external propaganda outlet Tongil-ui Meoari stated in a commentary on the 18th, "Domestic and international public opinion unanimously claims that the recent 'Jo-Ro (North Korea-Russia) arms trade rumor' spread by the South Korean puppet regime is a ridiculous excuse that the United States is echoing to cover up their ugly true nature and avoid global condemnation, as the truth behind the artillery shell exports has been revealed and international criticism is spreading."

It continued, "It is clear as day that the massive amount of artillery shells sent by the South Korean puppet regime via the United States will further escalate tensions in the Ukraine region," adding, "(This) clearly shows that the United States and the South Korean puppet regime are the very culprits destroying not only the Korean Peninsula but also world peace and security."

At the same time, it unleashed harsh criticism toward the South Korean government, calling it "the height of shamelessness" and "brazen assertions."

It also claimed, "The traitorous faction of Yoon Seok-yeol is spreading the groundless 'Jo-Ro arms trade rumor' to tarnish the Republic's external image and further intensify the international anti-Republic sanctions and pressure atmosphere, but they must realize that they cannot escape their crisis situation."

North Korea's statements appear to be an attempt to use South Korea's artillery shell export negotiations with the U.S. as a pretext to avoid international criticism arising alongside suspicions of arms supplies to Russia. However, the Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that export negotiations are proceeding under the condition that the final user is the United States, reaffirming the stance that lethal weapons will not be provided to Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.