U.S. Condemns North Korea–Russia Military Ties as “Severe Violation” of Sanctions July 17, 2025 United Nati

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📰 U.S. Condemns North Korea–Russia Military Ties as “Severe Violation” of Sanctions
🗓️ July 17, 2025
📍 United Nations Headquarters, New York

📄 The Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Taskforce (MSMT) has submitted a report to the United Nations detailing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, describing it as a serious breach of UN sanctions.

The report was presented to UN member states and included evidence of arms transfers, North Korean troop deployments to Russia, excessive refined oil shipments to North Korea, labor exports, and financial transactions—each a violation of existing UN Security Council resolutions.

The United States, a key member of the MSMT, responded by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to enforcing sanctions on North Korea under President Donald Trump’s administration. U.S. officials stressed that Washington remains focused on the complete denuclearization of North Korea and continues to pursue diplomatic avenues, despite Pyongyang’s growing ties with Moscow.

Seth Bailey, Deputy Special Representative for North Korea at the U.S. State Department, emphasized the seriousness with which the U.S. treats these violations, noting that Trump’s current policies are consistent with his administration’s stance during his first term. “Denuclearization remains our core objective, and we will not compromise on that principle,” Bailey stated.

Meanwhile, North Korea and Russia defended their military cooperation, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which upholds the right to individual and collective self-defense. They also pointed to their newly signed comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, dismissing the MSMT as a Western-driven political tool.

President Trump has publicly reiterated his willingness to engage in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, North Korea has yet to reciprocate, instead deepening its strategic alignment with Russia.

A senior U.S. official noted, “North Korea continues to advance its weapons programs, but we believe they are motivated to engage due to the suffering of their people under sanctions.” While denuclearization is the ultimate goal, the official suggested it may not be the starting point in renewed dialogue.

The latest MSMT report could trigger renewed diplomatic friction at the UN, while also placing additional pressure on Russia and North Korea. U.S. efforts to maintain sanction integrity may intensify, especially if Pyongyang remains resistant to reengaging in negotiations.

🔗 Reported from New York, United States – World News War Correspondence Desk
,NorthKorea ,Russia ,UNSanctions ,MilitaryCooperation ,Trump ,KimJongUn ,USPolicy ,MSMT ,Geopolitics

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