US: "If North Korea Provides Weapons to Russia, There Will Be Consequences"

On the 5th (local time), the White House warned that North Korea would face consequences if it provides weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, said at a briefing that "discussions between North Korea and Russia regarding military support for Russia are actively progressing," adding, "Providing weapons to Russia to be used on the battlefield for territorial conquest by a sovereign nation would not be favorable for public opinion toward North Korea."

Sullivan stated, "North Korea must keep its public promise not to supply weapons to Russia," and "We will continue to seek opportunities to persuade North Korea not to engage in arms transactions with Russia." While he could not comment on any changes in the mindset of Kim Jong-un, the ultimate decision-maker, he said, "(North Korea's intentions) are in Kim Jong-un's mind."

He also warned that if North Korea nevertheless supports Russia with weapons, "it will face consequences from the international community."

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, also emphasized at a regular briefing that "we have been very clear about the possible consequences for any country taking actions to support Russia's illegal war in Ukraine," and "we will not hesitate to take action against entities supporting the invasion war in Ukraine."

Earlier, the New York Times (NYT) reported, citing U.S. government officials, that Chairman Kim is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Russia this month to discuss military cooperation plans, including arms exports. Adrian Watson, White House NSC spokesperson, also confirmed in a statement shortly after the report, saying, "As we have publicly warned, arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are actively progressing," and "We have information that Chairman Kim expects these discussions to continue, including high-level diplomatic engagement in Russia."

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