White House urges North Korea not to transfer weapons to Russia amid Kim Jong Un's visit

The White House is calling on North Korea "not to provide or sell weapons to Russia," amid Kim Jong-un's announced visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

"As we have publicly warned, arms talks between Russia and the DPRK are expected to continue during Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in response to the statement by Russia and North Korea.

"We urge the DPRK to honor Pyongyang's public commitments not to provide or sell weapons to Russia," she emphasized.

Last week, the United States warned that Kim Jong-un could visit Russia to discuss a potential arms deal with Russia, and the White House said arms talks between the two countries were "actively progressing."

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a press briefing on Monday that the United States remains "concerned" that North Korea is considering providing weapons and equipment to Russia.

Ryder noted that providing weapons and equipment to Russia "will only serve to prolong this unnecessary war and lead to the deaths of innocent Ukrainians."

North Korea is already under UN and US sanctions over Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction program.

A potential meeting between Putin and Kim could lead to Pyongyang getting its hands on weapons it has been denied access to for two decades, especially its nuclear-capable ballistic missile program.

Background. Earlier, the FT reported that Kim Jong-un is ready to conclude an arms deal with Putin. Pyongyang could offer ammunition, missile systems, and short-range ballistic missiles.