WASHINGTON: The United States is imposing sanctions on three Russian legal entities and one individual over the alleged transfer of North Ko...
WASHINGTON: The United States is imposing sanctions on three Russian legal entities and one individual over the alleged transfer of North Korean missiles to Russia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
The Department of State alleged that these companies were "complicit in the transfer to Russia and testing of DPRK-origin ballistic missiles."
According to the statement, released by the department’s press service, sanctions were imposed on state-run Joint Stock Company the 224th Flight Unit State Airlines and its head Vladimir Mikheychik.
Besides, the United States blacklisted two Russian testing ranges, the Vladimirovka Advanced Weapons and Research Complex (VAWARC) and the Ashuluk Firing Range in southern Russia’s Astrakhan Region.
The blacklist also mentions four planes, allegedly involved in "the transfers of DPRK ballistic missiles and missile-related cargo in November and December 2023."
The US secretary of state claimed in his statement that defense cooperation with North Korea, which allegedly provided its ballistic missiles to Russia, "undermines the global nonproliferation regime."
He also said his country was ready to take additional measures against individuals and entities involved in the alleged arms transfer.
US companies are now allowed to engage in business activities with blacklisted companies and individuals. Besides, their assets in the US will be frozen.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has repeatedly emphasized that Western countries' accusations of illegal military and technical cooperation between Russia and North Korea are unsubstantiated. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier called Washington's claims that Pyongyang was providing military aid to Moscow pure speculation.
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