Reuters: US announces new sanctions over North Korea-Russia arms transfers

The US announced sanctions against two Russian individuals and three companies, accusing them of facilitating arms transfers, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea to Russia for using against Ukraine.

May 17, 2024 - 07:12

reuters us announces new sanctions over north korearussia arms transfers korean leader kim jong un factories august 2023 credit kcna korea production

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.

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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.

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