US, South Korea, and Japan condemn North Korea's military ties with Russia, urge return to negotiations

Senior officials from the United States, South Korea, and Japan issued a statement.

“The United States, ROK (South Korea - ed.), and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia that prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and threaten stability in both Northeast Asia and Europe,” the statement reads.

According to representatives of the three countries, the signing of the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”by the DPRK and Russia during Putin's visit to Pyongyang on June 19 indicates a deepening of military cooperation.

They believe, this agreement "should be of grave concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal aggression."

In addition, representatives of the United States, South Korea and Japan announced their intention to strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation in order to counteract threats from the DPRK.

The US also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting South Korea and Japan.

“The United States, ROK, and Japan also reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open and urge the DPRK to cease further provocations and return to negotiations,” the statement reads.

US Senior Envoy for DPRK Affairs Jung Pak, South Korean Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae, and Japanese Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia and Ocean Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki signed the statement after a phone call on June 24.

• On June 19, Vladimir Putin arrived in the DPRK at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that provides for mutual assistance in the event of an attack on one of the signatories. At the same time, the DPRK leader expressed "unconditional support" for Russia in the war with Ukraine.