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 Russia's decision to supply weapons to North Korea has raised significant concerns within the United States.

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman

The US administration has voiced serious concern following Vladimir Putin's discussions about potentially supplying weapons to North Korea. In response, the United States fears that such actions could jeopardize the stability of the entire region, including the Korean peninsula.

The Russian President's visits to North Korea and Vietnam were seen as gestures of acceptance in the international arena amidst Western pressure related to the Ukraine conflict. During his visit, he finalized a defense agreement on Wednesday to assist North Korea, mirroring the collective aid provided by the Western world to Ukraine.

Under this agreement, each country pledges to support the other in times of need. During his visit to Vietnam on Thursday (June 20), the Russian President went further, suggesting that Russia might provide weapons to North Korea. He particularly cautioned that South Korea supplying arms to Ukraine would constitute a significant mistake.

The US administration is troubled by Putin's mention of this possibility. State Department spokesman Matthews Miller stated that such actions could jeopardize the stability of the entire Korean Peninsula. Additionally, supplying North Korea with advanced weaponry would constitute a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Miller pointed out that Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, had previously endorsed the resolution. It is noteworthy that Moscow recently vetoed a proposal within the Security Council aimed at extending the mandate of the agency tasked with monitoring sanctions against North Korea.

Meanwhile, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, remarked that despite concerns, there was no reason to be surprised by Putin's announcement. He noted that Russia's current pursuit of foreign aid has led to an increase in cooperation in the defense sector between Russia and North Korea over recent months.

Kirby also suggested that China might have concerns about Moscow's actions. The United States has been urging Beijing to exert more pressure on North Korea. However, an increased reliance on Russia could potentially diminish China's influence over North Korea. Kirby emphasized that if North Korea were to resume nuclear weapons tests, it could threaten the stability of the entire region, thereby undermining China's interests as well.

North Korea reportedly provided substantial quantities of munitions and ballistic missiles to Russia to address shortages during the Ukraine conflict. North Korea, long isolated, is seeking military equipment from Russia. US officials suggest Pyongyang may pursue materials or equipment from Russia for developing warplanes, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, and ballistic missiles.