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The US has warned North Korea over a potential arms sale to Russia amid their ongoing war in Ukraine.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently stated that talks between Pyongyang and Moscow are believed to be “actively advancing.” He warned, “Providing weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield… this is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community.”

This comes as ties between Russia and North Korea appear to be strengthening, as evidenced by recent visits and communications between their leaders. Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in July, and both Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to enhance their bilateral relations in exchanged letters.

 Kim Jong-un, right, with Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu (left) in July. 

US Department of State’s Vedant Patel emphasized that Russia’s approach to North Korea for weaponry indicates the impact of US sanctions on Moscow due to the Ukraine war. Patel further noted that Moscow’s desperation for weapons is a result of “our sanctions and export controls.”

The US has previously accused North Korea of secretly sending artillery shells to Russia, a claim both countries denied. Meanwhile, analyst Pavel Felgenhauer mentioned the possibility of a meeting between Putin and Kim soon, highlighting the growing relationship between the two nations.