Russia and North Korea are engaged in secret negotiations to secure an arms deal for Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine, according to the White House.
Pyongyang provided rockets and missiles to Moscow for use by the Wagner mercenary group early on in the war and is now considering further military assistance, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
“[North Korea] delivered infantry rockets and missiles into Russia for use by Wagner,” Mr. Kirby said during an Aug. 30 press call. “Since then, Russia has been actively seeking to acquire additional munitions from [North Korea].
“We have new information … that arms negotiations between Russia and [North Korea] are actively advancing.”
Mr. Kirby said that despite Pyongyang’s insistence that it wouldn't provide further aid to Moscow, new intelligence suggests that Moscow is seeking “significant quantities and multiple types of munitions” and “raw materials” for its military–industrial base, as well as “electronic components” for use in military systems.
Related Story: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Meets with Russian Defense Minister to Discuss Military Cooperation
