Britain intends to counteract the Russian takeover of North Korean equipment

According to a statement by the UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea, the UK is committed to identifying, disclosing and countering Russian attempts to obtain military equipment from North Korea.

Ambassador Woodward emphasized that since 2006, the Security Council has adopted nine resolutions condemning North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities.

These resolutions, adopted unanimously, also imposed sanctions prohibiting the transfer of weapons and related materials between North Korea and any UN member state.

“Russia has repeatedly violated these resolutions. Currently, there is a continuous flow of cargo between Russia and the DPRK. This includes ammunition and ballistic missiles, as reported by UN experts in April and our rapporteur today,” Ambassador Woodward stated.

She also noted that North Korea also buys refined crude oil from Russia, which is likely in excess of the limit set by the UN Security Council. “Russia is not even trying to hide its behavior. Russia brazenly vetoed the renewal of the 1718 Expert Panel, and during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang this month, Kim Jong-un praised the active cooperation between the two countries, including in military matters,” she said.

Ambassador Woodward warned that in exchange for weapons and protecting Russia on the Council, North Korea is seeking trade and military assistance, further circumventing UN sanctions and increasing threats to regional security. “These violations have serious consequences for millions of people around the world.” she stated.

Highlighting the impact, she added: “North Korean missiles are being used to devastate Kharkov, bringing misery, injury and death to Ukrainian civilians. The ammunition is helping Russia prolong the war, which continues to exact a heavy toll on women and children.”

Ambassador Woodward criticized Russia’s actions for destroying the non-proliferation regime and making the world a more dangerous place. She stressed that the UK will work with all willing countries to counter these breaches and protect the global non-proliferation regime. “It is an abuse of this organization and its principles that Russia is so openly and deliberately violating the UN sanctions regime, in addition to the flagrant violation of the UN Charter in Ukraine.” – she assured.

Finally, she called on all Council members to clearly condemn Russia’s actions and commit to cooperation to protect the UN, the non-proliferation system and global peace and security. “All of us who believe in this Council must clearly call on Russia and commit to working together to protect the UN, the non-proliferation system, and global peace and security,” he added. she said.

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