Kim’s sister refutes claims of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia | Global News

North Korea’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, has once again denied allegations that her country has been exporting weapons to Russia. In a statement released on Friday, Kim Yo Jong dismissed outside speculation on North Korea-Russian arms dealings as “the most absurd paradox.”

The U.S., South Korea, and other countries have accused North Korea of supplying artillery, missiles, and other weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine in exchange for advanced military technologies and economic aid. However, both North Korea and Russia have consistently denied these claims.

Foreign experts believe that North Korea’s recent series of artillery and missile tests were intended to showcase the weapons it planned to sell to Russia. Kim Yo Jong emphasized that North Korea has no intention of exporting its military capabilities to any country or making them public.

The South Korean Unification Ministry responded to the allegations, stating that it is fully prepared to repel any military threats from North Korea in cooperation with its military alliance with the U.S. The ministry also called for an immediate halt to any “illegal” arms dealings between North Korea and Russia.

The deepening ties between North Korea and Russia come at a time when both countries are facing separate confrontations with the United States. North Korea has been conducting a series of provocative missile tests since 2022, prompting the U.S. to expand its military drills with South Korea and Japan.

The allegations of weapons trade between North Korea and Russia raise concerns about potential violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges of managing security threats in Northeast Asia.