On 16 May, the US announced new sanctions against two Russian individuals and three companies involved in facilitating arms transfers between Russia and North Korea, Reuters reports.
Matthew Miller, a US State Department spokesperson, highlighted that over 40 North Korean-produced ballistic missiles have already been used against Ukraine, violating United Nations resolutions.
According to the US Treasury Department, these entities were instrumental in the movement of ballistic missiles and other military equipment used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. The individuals named were Rafael Anatolyevich Gazaryan and Aleksey Budnev, and the companies included Trans Kapital Limited Liability Company, Rafort Limited Liability Company, and Tekhnologiya, OOO.
Ukraine: Some 50% of Russian-launched North Korean missiles went off-course and blew up mid-air
The statement noted that over the past year, Russia and North Korea have enhanced their military cooperation, with Pyongyang supplying ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia in exchange for military assistance.
The sanctions, aimed at disrupting the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, include blocking all US property and interests of those designated. This move is part of a broader effort by the US to counter what it views as a significant threat to global security and the international non-proliferation regime.
The US continues to call on the international community to join in efforts to prevent military escalations and maintain global security standards.
Read also:
- Why Ukraine’s fight is key to defeating Russia-China-North Korea alliance
- Ukraine: Some 50% of Russian-launched North Korean missiles went off-course and blew up mid-air
- US diplomat says North Korea ships thousands of ammunition containers to Russia
- Reuters: UN sanctions monitors confirm Russia using North Korean missiles in Ukraine despite arms embargo
- Russia vetoes renewal of North Korea sanctions monitors amid accusations of weapons transfer
- FT: Satellite images reveal Russia’s oil supplies to UN-sanctioned North Korea
