In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the United States and nearly 50 other countries expressed their condemnation of the relationship between North Korea and Russia, following reports that Russia had launched North Korean ballistic missiles at Ukraine multiple times in recent weeks.

Russia, which is entering its third year of war with Ukraine, has been facing dwindling supplies of weaponry. The White House has issued a warning, urging Russia to seek assistance from "like-minded states" for military equipment. Last week, the U.S. stated that ballistic missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024, were actually supplied by North Korea. The White House considered this to be indicative of growing support from North Korea for Russia and a violation of a U.N. embargo.

The situation escalated further on January 6, when Russian forces launched additional North Korean missiles into Ukraine. John Kirby, the National Security spokesperson, mentioned on Tuesday that they are still assessing the damage caused by these attacks.

Kirby reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to addressing the issue, stating that they will raise the matter of arms deals between Russia and North Korea at the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. intends to demand that Russia be held accountable for once again violating international obligations that it had previously signed up to.

The involvement of North Korea in supplying missiles to Russia raises concerns about the strengthening ties between the two nations, and the joint condemnation from the United States and its allies reflects the serious implications of this partnership. As tensions escalate in Ukraine, the international community watches closely to see how Russia and North Korea's actions will be addressed at the United Nations.