The United States is set to introduce new sanctions against entities involved in facilitating the transfer of military aid, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea and Iran to Russia.
This was announced by John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council of the White House, during a briefing on January 4th.
According to Kirby, the U.S. has gathered evidence indicating Russia's acquisition of ballistic missiles from North Korea and ongoing negotiations with Tehran for similar weaponry. These findings have been corroborated by various media reports.
In response, the U.S. is collaborating with allies and partners to implement measures against this military cooperation. The plan includes raising the issue of North Korea and Russia's military collaboration at the United Nations Security Council. This partnership violates several Security Council resolutions, which Russia itself had previously endorsed.
Kirby stated, "We will demand that Russia be held accountable for another violation of its international obligations. Secondly, we will impose sanctions on those who facilitate the transfer of weapons between Russia and the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] and Russia and Iran."
The U.S. aims to continue exposing these arms agreements publicly, ensuring that Russia's war efforts do not receive covert support from other nations.
The announcement follows recent developments in Russia's international military engagements. In December, Russia and Iran signed a declaration to jointly counter Western sanctions. Furthermore, Iran reported finalizing an agreement with Russia in November for the supply of Su-35 fighters, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Russian-made Yak-130 combat trainers.
These measures by the U.S. signify a firm stance against the military support being provided to Russia by North Korea and Iran, and an effort to uphold international peace and security standards.