Russian President Vladimir Putin’s trip to North Korea has raised significant alarms within the US government.
“The deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea is something that should be of concern,” remarked Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the US Department of Defense in Washington on Tuesday.
“Especially to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, but also supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight against Russian aggression,” Ryder emphasized.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre criticized the provision of weaponry from North Korea, which she claimed has bolstered Russia's ability to prosecute its intense conflict in Ukraine.
“We don’t believe any country should give Putin a platform to promote the war of aggression that we’re currently seeing in Ukraine and Russia,” Jean-Pierre said, adding that the war “is blatantly violating the UN Charter and working to undermine the international system."
North Korea, largely isolated due to its nuclear program, faces accusations from Ukraine's Western allies of furnishing arms and munitions to Russia.
Moscow and Pyongyang have consistently denied these allegations.
Putin was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Tuesday evening.
Observers anticipate that the two-day visit will primarily focus on discussions regarding arms shipments from Pyongyang, which Moscow intends to utilize in its Ukrainian campaign.
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