Concerns of Military Cooperation Between Russia and North Korea from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan

South Korea's Foreign Ministry stated today that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed "serious concern" regarding discussions between Russia and North Korea about military cooperation, including potential arms deals. The ministry added in a statement that the three ministers agreed during a brief meeting yesterday, Friday, to respond firmly to any actions that threaten regional security in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a week-long visit to Russia, during which he discussed military cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed concern that the summit might be aimed at allowing Russia to obtain ammunition from North Korea to supplement its dwindling stock for its war in Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stated that if Russia helps North Korea enhance its weapon programs in exchange for support in its war in Ukraine, it would be a "direct provocation," and that Seoul and its allies would not stand by as spectators.