The United States accused Russia of “cynically” protecting North Korea from sanctions. This comes after Russia blocked efforts to keep watching whether they are following UN rules. These rules, called sanctions, have been in place since 2006 to stop North Korea from building dangerous weapons like missiles and nuclear bombs.
Until recently, a special UN team checked if North Korea was obeying these sanctions. But in March 2024, Russia used its power to stop the UN from continuing this monitoring. This left the world blind to their actions. The US said Russia did this to hide its own bad behavior — using their weapons in its war against Ukraine.
At the meeting, several countries, including South Korea and the US, gathered to warn the world about this serious problem. They claimed that since late 2023, North Korea has sent Russia over 24,000 containers filled with weapons and more than 100 missiles. These missiles are reportedly being used by Russia in Ukraine.
The US said that Russia’s move to end the monitoring was no accident. It accused Russia of trying to escape blame for breaking the UN’s rules. South Korea also criticized the partnership between Russia and North Korea, calling it illegal and dangerous.
North Korea Fires More Missiles
At the same time as the UN talks, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea. These missiles flew about 800 kilometers before landing in the water. South Korea quickly condemned the missile launches, calling them a serious threat to peace in the region.
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These launches happened just days after North Korea’s leader showed off a new warship, claiming it carried the country’s most powerful weapons. Some experts believe this ship could hold nuclear weapons, though they haven’t proven it can do that yet.
South Korea’s military believes that Russia might be helping North Korea build up its navy, possibly in exchange for soldiers or weapons to help with the war in Ukraine. This growing military bond between the two countries is worrying many nations.
In addition to building weapons, North Korea is making more money by selling coal and iron ore to China, despite UN sanctions that are supposed to prevent such sales. The US says this money is being used to fund their weapons programs, including its missiles and possible nuclear bombs.
Dangerous Alliances Form
Russia and North Korea have been getting closer recently. They even announced they are building their first road bridge to connect the two countries. This shows they are strengthening ties not just in words, but with real projects.
Meanwhile, Russia is preparing to celebrate Victory Day, marking the end of World War II. Some experts think North Korea’s missile launches are meant to show support for Russia during these celebrations, especially as Russian forces continue to fight in Ukraine.
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North Korea has fired many missiles in recent years, breaking UN rules each time. Experts believe the country is testing these weapons to sell them to Russia. South Korean officials said it’s possible that the latest missile launch was a trial run before shipping the weapons out.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
Back on the Korean peninsula, tensions are rising. North and South Korea are still technically at war, even though the fighting stopped in 1953. Lately, North Korea has blown up roads and railways that once connected it with the South and has planted more landmines along the border. In April, South Korean soldiers had to fire warning shots when North troops briefly crossed the border.
The US and South Korea are keeping a close watch. They continue to hold joint military exercises to prepare for any possible threat from the North. North Korea, in turn, keeps calling these drills practice for an invasion.
As countries at the UN argue about how to handle North Korea, the missile launches and dangerous deals with Russia show that the situation is becoming more serious by the day.
