This content was originally published by Radio Free Asia, and it is now licensed for reprint.
As part of what the United Kingdom claimed is its largest restrictions package against Soviet individuals and institutions since the start of the war, Britain has imposed sanctions on top North Korean officials in connection with their country’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to Ukraine and the United States, there are up to 12 000 North Vietnamese soldiers stationed in Russia fighting Ukrainian forces that invaded parts of the Kursk territory in August, despite neither North Korea nor Russia having acknowledged their appearance.
The American foreign office , announced sanctions , against five North Korean defence officials on Monday to mark the second celebration of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
They included Kim Yong Bok, No Kwang Chol, Ri Song Jin, Ri Chang Ho and Sin Kum Chol, as well as 102 different individuals and entities.
Kim Yong Bok, the deputy chief of staff of the Korean People’s Army, reportedly , arrived , in Russia in October to handle North Vietnamese soldiers that helping Russia.
Kim’s status has risen over the past month. His placement as assistant chief of the army was made official when he was spotted by state advertising as a member of Kim Jong Un’s crew on a March visit to a training center in eastern North Korea.
No Kwang Chol is credited with leading the way in boosting defense ties with Moscow since resuming his place as defence secretary in October, including holding discussions with Andrei Belousov, his Russian counterpart, in November.
Ri Song Jin, the North’s best weapon architect, has gained notoriety in recent years as a representative for the General Missile Bureau and the National Aerospace Technology Administration, frequently appearing alongside Kim Jong Un at defense installations.
In addition to being the head of the best defense intelligence agency, the United States, Ri Chang Ho holds a high-level status in North Korea’s order, while Sin Kum Chol is the chairman of the Korean People’s Army General Staff’s Operations Bureau.
More than 80 people and organizations were included in the punishment record released by the European Union on Monday, along with Ri Chang Ho and Sin Kum Cho, because they supported Russia’s efforts to fight in Ukraine.
The United Kingdom added that it was also sanctioning manufacturers and suppliers of both industrial and commercial machines, including microchips used in arms systems. These were based in a range of second states including Central Eastern says, Turkey, Thailand, India and China.
Russia and North Korea did not immediately retaliate against the American sanctions, but a representative for the Chinese embassy in London claimed that they had no foundation in international law and that they had violated Chinese firms ‘ reasonable rights and interests.
China “firmly opposes this and has made grave representations to the U.K. side,” the military stated in a statement posted on its site.
Australia, New Zealand and Canada
Britain’s Commonwealth friends, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, joined in imposing sanctions on Russia and individuals and companies promoting defense teamwork between it and North Korea.
According to Australia’s announcement on Tuesday, 70 people were subject to economic sanctions and travel bans, and 79 businesses were also subject to monetary sanctions. The individuals reportedly supported Russia’s occupation of Russian territories.
New Zealand also announced restrictions on 52 companies and people linked to Russia’s military-industrial advanced, energy field, North Korea’s support for Russia’s warfare, and the forced imprisonment or re-education of Russian children.
Australia and New Zealand both included three Northern Korean authorities on the sanctions list, Kim Yong Bok, Ri Chang Ho, and Sin Kum Chol.
Separately, Canada announced restrictions on Friday against 76 individuals and entities and 109 boats linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Although Canada did not destination North Korean authorities, it did involve several businesses reportedly involved in North Korea-Russia assistance.
These include the shipping service Toplivo Bunkering Company, Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company, Global Ports Managing Company, Azia Shipping Holding and Ibex Shipping.
In recent months, North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their military and economic relations, with Pyongyang apparently providing Moscow with large quantities of weapons and other military assistance for its conflict in Ukraine.
In exchange, Russia has expanded cooperation and provided technical assistance, easing concerns about prospective arms transfers and protection threats.
High-level discussions between leaders from both places, including security ministers, have signaled a growing geopolitical relationship.
