Stoltenberg comments on Russian military support from North Korea

Responding to questions about North Korea's role in the war in Ukraine, Stoltenberg stated that "there's no doubt" that North Korea is providing "significant military support" to Russia.

Refusing to disclose classified intelligence, he emphasized that it is "absolutely clear" that 32 Alliance members are deeply concerned about the possibility of Russia supporting North Korea's missile and nuclear programs in exchange for ammunition and other weapons from Pyongyang.

Quoting the frequently used phrase by Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that "what happens in Ukraine today can happen in Asia tomorrow," he said, "It is in the interest of all of us to prevent President (Vladimir) Putin from winning in Ukraine."

Stoltenberg underscored that the partnership with Japan has become even more crucial, especially given that such connections "have been laid bare" by the war in Ukraine, "where China, North Korea and Iran are enabling Russia's brutal war of aggression."

War in Ukraine: cooperation between Russia and North Korea

North Korea is assisting Russia with resources in its war against Ukraine following the massive invasion in February 2022. For instance, it was recently reported that North Korea may have supplied Russia with around 1.6 million artillery rounds over six months.

In mid-June, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The document does not rule out the deployment of troops to Ukraine, as well as mutual assistance in case of aggression against either country.

Moreover, back in May, reports suggested that Russia and North Korea might be planning a significant military provocation in October, shortly before the start of the U.S. presidential elections scheduled for early November.