New allies - Russia seeks to dismantle North Korea sanctions
Russia is pushing for the easing of international sanctions against its new ally North Korea. "We believe it is simply unfair and demotivating to impose endless sanctions on the country," said Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia in New York. It needs to be thought about how the sanctions can be changed. "It cannot go on forever." Regarding the question of whether North Korea should be allowed to test atomic weapons, Nebenzia declined to comment despite repeated inquiries.
Russia thus confirmed its course towards easing sanctions against the autocratic state of Kim Jong Un in light of its new strategic partnership with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. Western countries suspect Moscow of continuing to supply technologies to Pyongyang - in exchange for artillery ammunition and rockets, which it uses for destruction in its attack war against Ukraine.
Russia used its veto most recently on behalf of Pyongyang
At the end of March, Russia used its veto in the UN Security Council in New York to prevent the extension of a monitoring panel's mandate regarding North Korea and sanctions.
Moreover, Russian President Putin recently threatened to supply North Korea with precision weapons. The West acts as if it is not fighting against Russia with its weapons deliveries. In return, Russia can export its military goods to other world regions and not worry about how they are used, Putin said.
The North Korean state, ruled by Kim, is subject to far-reaching UN sanctions and import bans, which also affect the trade in weapons or the transfer of military technology to the country. During a state visit to Pyongyang, Putin signed a new partnership agreement with Kim, which also provides for mutual support in the event of a war.
- Despite Russia's push for softer sanctions towards North Korea, international consensus on the issue remains softening in New York at the United Nations Security Council.
- The softening stance of Russia towards North Korea under Kim Jong-un's rule has been strongly criticized by Western nations, who accuse Moscow of continuing to provide Pyongyang with prohibited technologies.
- Following the softening of its stance towards North Korea, Russia employed its veto power in the UN Security Council to hinder the extension of a monitoring panel's mandate related to North Korea's sanctions in March this year.
- The softening of international sanctions against North Korea is heavily opposed by nations involved in conflicts with the autocratic state, such as Ukraine, which has suffered from Pyongyang's weaponry supplies.
- In an attempt to counteract Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un sought to strengthen his nation's ties with Russia, culminating in a visit from President Putin, which led to a new partnership agreement softening North Korea's economic isolation.
- The United Nations Security Council resolutions have imposed stringent sanctions and import restrictions on North Korea, including weapons trade and military technology transfer, in an effort to curtail Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and aggressive posturing.
- Western nations have employed various tactics, such as increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure, in their effort to curb the softening of international stance towards North Korea's autocratic regime as led by Kim Jong-un and supported by Russia.
