In a joint statement issued on Friday, the United States and its main allies expressed deep concern over the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia. They called for an immediate end to North Korean arms transfers, which they believe are being used against Ukraine.

The U.S. Secretary of State, along with the foreign ministers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Britain, joined forces with the EU High Representative to highlight their recent coordinated efforts in imposing sanctions against the illegal arms transfers. They stressed that the continued arms transfers from Russia aggravate the situation in Ukraine, causing further suffering for its people.

The statement condemned North Korea and Russia for their flagrant violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, expressing serious concerns about the deepening DPRK-Russia cooperation. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied allegations of arms transfers, but last year, they made a commitment to deepen military relations.

The joint statement also criticized Russia's veto in March of a U.N. resolution intended to extend the mandate of an expert panel responsible for monitoring the implementation of sanctions against North Korea. Calling it an "unlawful arms transfer," the statement urged both North Korea and Russia to cease their activities immediately.

Following Russia's veto, the U.S. and its allies have been exploring alternative means to coordinate and monitor the sanctions on North Korea. This alleged arms transfer has also triggered reactions from South Korea, Japan, Britain, and other countries. The U.S. State Department labeled the joint statement as "the largest multilateral coordinated DPRK sanctions action to date."

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department called on both North Korea and Russia to halt their malign activities without delay. Additionally, the joint statement called on North Korea to take concrete steps towards abandoning its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, emphasizing the importance of returning to diplomatic negotiations.

This united effort by the U.S. and its allies highlights their shared concern and commitment to addressing the escalating situation between North Korea and Russia. As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains steadfast in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the well-being and security of all nations involved.