US White House: Intelligence Indicates North Korea Provided 'Significant' Weapons to Russia for Ukraine Invasion (Update)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), stated on the 2nd (local time) that "we have received information that North Korea has secretly provided a significant amount of ammunition and other weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war."

Coordinator Kirby disclosed this intelligence to reporters on the same day, saying, "We are monitoring to confirm whether these are actually being delivered to Russia." He also emphasized that measures will be taken to hold North Korea accountable at the United Nations (UN) level together with allied countries.

The White House currently believes that North Korea is disguising the actual destination of the ammunition it provides to Russia by transporting it as if it were headed to the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. However, Coordinator Kirby did not reveal specific estimates regarding the scale of the shipments. He further criticized North Korea's weapons support, stating that "the course of the war will not change."

This intelligence confirmation comes about two months after U.S. intelligence agencies revealed that Russia is in the process of purchasing millions of rounds of ammunition and rockets from North Korea for the war.

U.S. CNN reported, citing U.S. officials, that amid the prolonged Ukraine war, the recent decrease in Russia's conventional weapons is partly due to secret shipments from North Korea in addition to drones and other weapons obtained from Iran. In a statement sent to CNN, Coordinator Kirby pointed out, "North Korea publicly denied its intention to provide ammunition to Russia in September, but according to our intelligence, it is secretly supplying a significant amount."

Meanwhile, regarding North Korea's launch of a short-range ballistic missile near South Korea's territorial waters south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea for the first time since the division, Coordinator Kirby reiterated condemnation, stating, "While it does not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. people, territory, or allies, the missile launch demonstrates North Korea's reckless decision and its impact on regional security."