Thank you, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Mr. Leff, for your presentations.
Russia and North Korea’s Dangerous Alliance: Unveiling the Truth Behind Global Security Threats”
Russia’s veto of the renewal for the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts aimed to block critical, unbiased investigations into North Korea’s violations of Security Council resolutions. This move is designed to conceal the truth about both North Korea’s dangerous actions and Russia’s involvement in them.
The removal of this committee highlights the growing importance of independent organizations such as Conflict Armament Research. The United States is grateful for their continued work in providing clear and trustworthy reports on violations tied to North Korea.
These reports demonstrate why Russia was so intent on blocking the mandate’s renewal: Russia and North Korea are engaged in illegal arms transfers and training, openly violating numerous Security Council resolutions.
Resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2270 collectively prohibit UN Member States from receiving or providing arms, related materials, or training to or from North Korea.
These resolutions were enacted as a response to North Korea’s nuclear tests, reflecting our shared responsibility to preserve international peace and security.
Russia is well aware of this, having voted in favor of each of these resolutions. Yet, Russia has broken these rules by violating them both ways.
We estimate that North Korea has sent over 20,000 shipping containers of munitions to Russia, including at least 6 million rounds of heavy artillery and more than 100 ballistic missiles.
The findings from the Center for Armament Research confirm reports from the press and other open sources.
These missiles have been launched into Ukraine, causing destruction in civilian areas like Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. North Korea is preparing to send additional missiles to Russia in late 2024.
We also have information about North Korean artillery and rocket launchers being deployed in the conflict.
Russia is not only receiving weapons from North Korea, but is also recruiting manpower for its war in Ukraine, bringing in over 11,000 North Korean troops, including elite special forces.
This is the first time in more than 70 years that North Korean troops have been involved in large-scale ground combat outside the Korean Peninsula.
Russia is likely to use this as a stepping stone for future joint training with the Korean People’s Army.
This is a mutually reinforcing relationship. The more Russia depends on North Korea, the more the DPRK demands in return, worsening global peace and security risks.
Recent reports show that Russia has trained North Korean forces in artillery, UAVs, and infantry operations, indicating that DPRK soldiers are directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
We also know that Russia has transferred air defense systems to North Korea.
The Kremlin continues to provide subsidized refined petroleum to North Korea beyond the UN-mandated 500,000-barrel limit and is selling dual-use technology.
We are especially concerned about Russia’s plans to share satellite and space technology with North Korea, which would enhance military communication and intelligence capabilities.
Moreover, Russia continues to protect North Korea from actions in this Council, obstructing sanctions enforcement and avoiding consequences for its violations.
Worryingly, we assess that Russia may be on the brink of accepting North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, reversing its long-standing stance on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
We believe Russia will become increasingly reluctant to criticize Pyongyang’s nuclear advancements and will continue blocking resolutions or sanctions against North Korea’s destabilizing activities.
Every Council member must speak out against this recklessness.
For too long, China has shielded Russia from accountability, allowing North Korea to continue its provocative missile launches and other dangerous actions.
This is not the conduct expected of responsible Member States, especially not from two permanent members of the Council.
Responsible Council members take their duty to combat threats to international peace and security seriously. They uphold resolutions aimed at halting proliferation and addressing human rights abuses. They have no reason to fear independent, objective experts and do not support tyrants for political gain.
Two years ago, I visited Ukraine. I witnessed the destruction firsthand—the mother in Kyiv holding her daughter’s lifeless hand after a Russian attack, the child eager to return to school, the humanitarian worker tortured by Russian forces, barely able to speak.
I will never forget the horrors inflicted by Putin. But I will also never forget the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
For years, they have fought for their land, freedom, and identity. They have cared for each other, risking their lives to help neighbors and provide for those in need. Their community spirit has become a powerful form of resistance.
Today, they face new, dangerous threats. No veto can erase this grim reality.
I know the people of Ukraine will continue to stand up to oppression, imperialism, and reckless proliferation. But we must stand with them.
The United States once again calls on Russia to end its military cooperation with North Korea, cease its war of aggression against Ukraine, and immediately withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
On China’s call for dialogue with North Korea, we have repeatedly expressed our openness to unconditional dialogue. Each time, North Korea has responded with hostility. We remain open to further dialogue and are willing to engage.
In conclusion, we must all honor our responsibilities as Council members and protect the Charter we are committed to.
The people of Ukraine demand this of us. They deserve it. They deserve a just and lasting peace. Let us do our part to help them achieve it.
Thank you.
Now, in my capacity as the Representative of the United States, I will make a brief statement.
I will not respond directly, as the current debate focuses on whether China is supporting Russia’s actions and shielding North Korea. This pattern has been evident in the Council, and my initial statement still stands.
Thank you.