Russia has been found to be exceeding U.N. Security Council limits by shipping refined petroleum to North Korea, according to the White House. The United Nations had imposed an annual cap of 500,000 barrels of refined petroleum products to North Korea as part of efforts to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
White House officials revealed that in March alone, Russia sent over 165,000 barrels of refined petroleum to North Korea. The close proximity of Russian and North Korean commercial ports allows for sustained shipments, potentially indefinitely.
This disclosure follows the disbandment of a U.N. panel of experts responsible for monitoring sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, had blocked the panel's renewal.
The Biden administration declassified intelligence showing Russia's increasing reliance on North Korea and Iran for arms during the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. plans to impose sanctions on those involved in facilitating arms and refined petroleum transfers between Russia and North Korea.
Earlier reports indicated that North Korea had supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Additionally, North Korea reportedly delivered military equipment and munitions to Russia.
U.S. intelligence suggests that North Korea seeks aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and advanced technologies from Russia in exchange for arms support.
Russia's opposition to U.N. monitoring reflects its strained relations with the U.S. and Western allies since the conflict in Ukraine began. The escalating tension has hindered consensus on various issues, even those with longstanding agreements.
The U.S. intends to collaborate with Australia, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Britain to implement further sanctions related to the illicit petroleum shipments.
