North Korea Says It Never Sent Weapons to Russia—And Calls the U.S. a Drama‑Queen
*TL;DR: North Korea is firm that it never exported guns to Russia, while the U.S. keeps shouting unverified rumors. Russia and North Korea are feather‑feathering a friendship that feels like a secret handshake in a closed‑door club. Ukraine is stuck in the middle, cheering for one side and drawing lines in the sand anyway.
North Korea’s Statement—“No, we didn’t give war‑tool a hand to Russia”
- During a press‑briefing on Thursday (Sept 22), the state news agency KCNA quoted an anonymous deputy director of the Min. of Nat’l Defence’s Equipment Bureau.
- He blasted U.S. chatter, saying, “They’re spreading tall tales about arm deals between DPRK and Russia. We’ve never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia and won’t do it in the future.”
- He added a sharp jab: “Stop talking nonsense and keep your mouth shut if you’re still going to stir up rumors.”
U.S. Claims Versus Reality – A Confusing Story
The U.S. has painted Russia as the buyer of “millions of rockets and artillery shells” from the DPRK, an assertion that stirred the news.
- State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel announced the purchase earlier this month.
- White House national security spokesperson John Kirby had to step in: “There’s no evidence the deal is finished, and we have no proof those weapons are firing in Ukraine.”
- Adding to the circus, the U.S. accused Iran of handing drones to Russia for use in Ukraine—an accusation Tehran has outright denied.
North Korea & Russia: Hand‑in‑hand Allies?
There’s buzz in diplomatic circles that the two nations are tightening their ties.
- Last month, Vladimir Putin wrote a congratulatory letter to Kim Jong‑Un, thanking him on Korea’s Liberation Day and urging them to “expand comprehensive bilateral relations.”
- Kim’s response echoed that sentiment, claiming the “strategic and tactical cooperation” had reached a new height, aimed at countering “hostile military forces” (read: the U.S., NATO, and others).
Ukraine: The Middle‑Man in a Comeback
After the DPRK recognised two Russian‑backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine (Crimea was a no‑no that’s never been recognized by the world), Ukraine decided to sever ties with Pyongyang. Despite all the back‑and‑forth, Ukraine is sticking to its side against the Russian “special military operation.”
Why It Matters
These statements matter because:
- The U.S. wants to keep “saying” that Russia is buying arms from North Korea.
- North Korea is trying hard to maintain a neutral image.
- Russia’s denial clauses are like a reality check for anyone who thinks the stories are true.
- Ukraine’s stance shows that even in a tangled mess of diplomacy, the Ukrainian people keep their foot firmly on the side of self‑determination.
Bottom Line
North Korea: “We never sent weapons to Russia; no future plans either.”
U.S.: “We’re hearing rumors but no concrete evidence.”
Russia: “We deny full‑scale purchases; want proof.”
Ukraine: “We’re calling out the real actors in this drama.”
