Russia wants fewer sanctions against North Korea
Putin found a strong ally in North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. In March, Russia used its veto in the UN Security Council on behalf of the country, which is subject to comprehensive sanctions. Moscow intends to shake things up regarding the international sanctions against its new ally North Korea, as the Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia stated in New York. He repeatedly dodged a question, however.
Russia aims to ease the international sanctions against its new ally North Korea. "We think it's simply unfair and demotivating to impose endless sanctions on the country," Nebenzia said. It's necessary to consider how the sanctions can be changed. "It can't go on forever." Regarding the question of whether North Korea should be allowed to test nuclear weapons, Nebenzia remained silent despite repeated inquiries.
Russia's stance in favor of easing sanctions against the autocratic state of Kim Jong Un, following its new strategic partnership with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, was confirmed. Western countries suspect Moscow of continuing to supply technologies to Pyongyang in exchange for artillery ammunition and rockets used in its attack on Ukraine. Russia used its veto most recently for Pyongyang at the end of March, using it in the UN Security Council in New York to deny the mandate to an expert panel monitoring North Korea in relation to sanctions.
UN Sanctions due to nuclear weapons program
In response to Western weapons supplies to Ukraine, Russian President Putin threatened to supply precision weapons to North Korea. The West acts as if it's not fighting against Russia with its weapons supplies. In return, Russia could export its military goods to other world regions and not worry about how they are used, Putin said.
The country ruled by Kim Jong Un 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 includes mutual aid in case of war.
Russia and North Korea might use their alliance to challenge the UN sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The Russian UN Ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, has advocated for reconsidering the sanctions, believing they are unfair and demotivating. Furthermore, Putin's threat to supply precision weapons to North Korea in retaliation to Western weapons supplies to Ukraine raises concerns about potential escalations in politics.
