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US alerts on growing North Korean aid
A senior U.S. official expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear, missile threats, and growing military backing for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, but could not verify reports of North Korean troops joining the conflict.
Following talks with South Korean and Japanese officials about reviving an international pressure campaign against North Korea, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell informed the media. This campaign had stalled due to growing disagreements within the U.N. Security Council.
Earlier today, Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, along with eight Western governments, revealed their intentions to establish a new international group to supervise the implementation of sanctions against North Korea.
In March, Russia blocked a U.N. resolution, essentially ending the monitoring of Security Council sanctions against North Korea by U.N. experts. This led to Western allegations that Moscow was trying to protect its acquisitions of weapons from North Korea in order to support its conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell Remarks
Campbell stated that there are indications that North Korea was ramping up its assistance, such as supplying artillery and missiles, to Russia in their conflict with Ukraine, which he said was “creating further instability in Europe.” He said the U.S. was still evaluating reports that North Korea was also sending personnel.
“We are concerned by them and … we agreed that we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Campbell commented on the allegations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that North Korea is sending troops to assist Russia in its military operations, but did not give any further information. Earlier this month, Ukrainian media stated that six North Koreans were among the individuals who died as a result of a Ukrainian missile attack in the partially occupied eastern Donetsk region on Oct. 3.
North Korea has been escalating its threats towards South Korea, accusing them of sending drones to distribute anti-North Korean leaflets over Pyongyang, and warning of potential retaliation if the action is repeated.
On Tuesday, North Korea destroyed the northern parts of abandoned road and railway connections with South Korea, as a meticulously planned demolition to show its increasing displeasure with South Korea’s conservative leadership.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in 2022, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un taking advantage of Russia’s war on Ukraine to increase his weapons testing and threats. Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo have enhanced their joint military drills in reaction and have taken measures to enhance their nuclear deterrent strategies centered on key U.S. assets.
South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun Remarks
South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun stated that after his discussions with Campbell and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano, the countries expressed their disapproval of North Korea’s actions, “intentional moves to create tensions.”
“We have agreed to maintain a solid South Korea-U.S. combined posture to respond firmly to North Korean provocations and strengthen security cooperation through close coordination between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan,” Kim said.
The diplomats released a collective statement denouncing North Korea for its nuclear and missile advancements, strengthening military collaboration with Russia and engaging in illegal activities to finance its weapons program, while emphasizing the United States’ unwavering dedication to protecting its allies.
The comment also indicated increasing regional conflicts with China.
The diplomats objected to any one-sided efforts to alter the current situation in Indo-Pacific waters and illegal maritime assertions in the South China Sea. They also condemned China’s recent military exercises near Taiwan and emphasized that “no further actions should be taken that could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
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