US Secretary of State: "Russian Defense Minister's Visit to North Korea is to Secure Weapons"

Secretary Blinken: "They Must Be Looking for Weapons to Continue Attacking Ukraine"

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken stated on the 29th (local time) that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu likely visited North Korea to secure weapons necessary for the Russia-Ukraine war.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to AFP, Blinken, who was visiting Australia for ministerial talks, commented on Shoigu's visit to North Korea, saying, "I don't think he went there for a vacation," and added, "We are seeing Russia desperately seeking support and weapons from every possible place to continue its attack on Ukraine."

Blinken emphasized, "We see this in North Korea and also in Iran. Iran has provided Russia with numerous drones used to destroy Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and kill civilians."

Earlier, despite being at war with Ukraine, Shoigu visited Pyongyang with a delegation to attend the 70th anniversary event of the Korean War armistice agreement. Russian and North Korean media reported that Shoigu met with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un on the 26th to discuss security issues and toured a joint weapons exhibition, and on the afternoon of the 27th, he observed the Victory Day commemorative military parade.

This has led to speculation that Shoigu may have discussed arms deals between Russia and North Korea during his visit. The U.S. State Department had previously criticized Russia on the 27th for supporting North Korea's illicit weapons programs in connection with Shoigu's visit.

At a regular briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel stated, "Russia is blocking additional (North Korea) measures at the United Nations Security Council and is participating in events where North Korea celebrates these weapons," adding, "All of this shows how dangerous Russia is to international peace and security." Regarding Chairman Kim personally explaining weapons such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to Shoigu, Patel said, "We are very concerned," and noted, "North Korea supports Russia's brutal war of aggression through public statements and previous weapons transfers."

Foreign media also reported that Ukrainian soldiers were seen attacking Russia with North Korean-made rockets presumed to have been seized from Russian forces.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.