In a press briefing at the United Nations on July 17, 2025, US Department of State Director for Korean and Mongolian Affairs Seth Bailey presented the first Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) report, exposing serious unlawful military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The comprehensive review sheds light on the alarming arms transfers, military technology sharing, and training of North Korean troops in Russia.
According to Director Bailey, the MSMT has gathered significant evidence demonstrating North Korea's illicit arms transfers to Russia, as well as Russia's transfer of sensitive military technology to North Korea. Furthermore, the report reveals that Russia has been providing training to North Korean troops within its borders. These developments underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent action.
The United States remains committed to supporting the complete denuclearization of North Korea, and Director Bailey emphasized the country's resolve to hold Pyongyang accountable for its UN sanctions violations. The MSMT aims to continue publishing timely, fact-based reports on North Korea's UN sanctions breaches across a range of topics, providing critical insights into this complex issue.
The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team was established in 2024, following Russia's veto of the renewal of the UN 1718 Committee Panel of Experts mandate. Currently, the MSMT comprises 11 participating states, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The May 29, 2025 report is now available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. The MSMT welcomes interest from additional states to participate in this critical mechanism.
on the MSMT report, please visit <a href="https://msmt.info/">the official website</a>.
Conclusion
The revelation of unlawful military cooperation between North Korea and Russia highlights the urgent need for collective action to address this pressing global issue. The US Department of State will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that Pyongyang is held accountable for its actions, and to support the complete denuclearization of the region.
Related Information
MSMT Report (available in six languages)
Official Website: <a href="https://msmt.info/">www.msmt.info</a>
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
North Korea
Russia
Sanctions and Designations
United Nations (UN)