In a recent interview aired on CBS News, Vice President Kamala Harris warned North Korea against providing military aid to Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine invasion.
She stated, "The idea that they would be supplying ammunition to that end, would be a huge mistake." Harris further expressed her conviction that such actions would lead to further isolation for both Russia and North Korea.
The Vice President's remarks follow the Biden administration's stern warning to North Korea, cautioning that it will face consequences if it proceeds with a deal to supply arms to Moscow. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, during a press briefing, responded to reports of a potential meeting between North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated, "[This] is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community."
Sullivan urged North Korea to honor its public commitments to refrain from supplying weapons to Russia that could potentially harm Ukrainians. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson confirmed the possibility of an in-person meeting between Kim and Putin, with Kim possibly traveling to Moscow as early as next week.
Russia, however, has remained tight-lipped about the talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm the discussions, stating there is "nothing to say."
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Putin seeks North Korea's assistance in supplying Russia with artillery shells and anti-tank missiles. In return, Kim is reportedly seeking advanced satellite technology and nuclear-powered submarines from Russia, along with food aid to alleviate the starvation crisis in his country.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed last week that "arms negotiations" between the two U.S. adversaries were "actively advancing."
In her CBS interview, Harris also commented on Russia's current state, stating, "It is very clear that Russia has -- clearly -- they are very desperate, they have already experienced a strategic failure." She pointed out that despite initial predictions of a swift victory, the Ukrainians continue to resist.
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