Russia is shipping oil to North Korea above UN mandated levels, US official says

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Russia oil shipments

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House revealed Russia’s clandestine shipment of refined petroleum to North Korea. These actions potentially breach UN-imposed caps, prompting considerations for new sanctions.

The disclosure occurred following the disbandment of a U.N. panel monitoring sanctions against North Korea due to a Russian veto. This action highlights Russia’s influence on international efforts to enforce sanctions.

“At the same time that Moscow vetoed the panel’s mandate renewal, Russia has been shipping refined petroleum from Port Vostochny to the DPRK (North Korea),” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Kirby’s statement revealed Russia’s shipment of 165,000 barrels of refined petroleum to North Korea in March. He suggested Russia’s ability to continue these shipments due to close port proximity. This raises concerns about the sustainability of such actions.

In late March, Russia blocked the annual renewal of the U.N. sanctions monitors. A U.S. official described it as a calculated move to conceal its violations of UN Security Council resolutions.

Kirby said the United States will continue to impose sanctions “against those working to facilitate arms and refined petroleum transfers between Russia and the DPRK.” North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We have previously worked to coordinate autonomous sanctions designations with our partners — including Australia, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom — and we will continue to do so,” he said.

Furthermore, the revelation of Russia’s oil shipments to North Korea raises questions about the effectiveness of international sanctions and enforcement mechanisms surrounding Russia oil shipments. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of increased collaboration to close gaps and deter evasion tactics.

Moreover, it signifies the urgency for collective action in tightening enforcement measures. Furthermore, Russia’s exceeding of oil shipment limits to North Korea heightens geopolitical tensions.
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