Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
The United States has imposed sanctions on five Russia-based individuals and entities, alleging their involvement in the transfer of military equipment and components between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation. This move is seen as a violation of the UN arms embargo on the DPRK. The US asserts that Russia has increasingly relied upon the DPRK for munitions to wage its war on Ukraine, using dozens of DPRK-supplied ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets.
This action is an extension of several sanctions designations over the past year, targeting the military relationship between Russia and DPRK. It underscores US opposition to continued arms transfers and deepening defense cooperation between these two nations. The US maintains that Russia has already used upwards of 40 DPRK-produced ballistic missiles against Ukraine, along with munitions imported in direct contravention of UNSC resolutions on the DPRK.
The strengthening ties between DPRK and Russia are perceived as a wide-ranging threat to global security and the international non-proliferation regime. The US condemns Russia’s veto of the UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of the UN 1718 Committee Panel of Experts. This body had documented the DPRK’s UN sanctions violations. The US vows to continue taking all appropriate steps to counter this destabilizing partnership between Russia and DPRK, urging others in the international community to join them.
The Department of Treasury's actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13551. Further information can be found in Treasury’s press release.
