White House Concerned About Russia-North Korea Arms Talks

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby has told reporters that the White House is concerned about high level discussions talking place between Russia and North Korea, warning that, "any arms deal between North Korea, Russia would violate un security council resolutions."

• Kirby says the White House is concerned that arms talks between the two "advancing," noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK President Kim Jong Un, "have exchanged letters."
• Kirby states that, "high level discussions may continue in coming months," adding that "deals could include provision of raw materials to Russia, arms it would use in war in Ukraine."
• Kirby says "have been held in secret," with discussions centering on "artillery, other munitions."
• Kirby's comments come as the US continues to express concern that North Korea may be preparing to undertake a seventh nuclear test.
• AP reports: "Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has carried out more than 100 weapons tests, many of them involving nuclear-capable missiles designed to strike the U.S., South Korea and Japan."