The White House reported on Wednesday that it possesses fresh intelligence indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have exchanged letters, with Russia seeking munitions from North Korea to support its war efforts in Ukraine.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby provided details of this recent development, coming just weeks after the White House had disclosed its determination that during a recent visit to Pyongyang, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had urged North Korean officials to increase munition sales to Moscow for the conflict in Ukraine.
Kirby explained that Russia's interest lies in obtaining additional artillery shells and other fundamental supplies to reinforce its defense industrial capabilities.
He further noted that the exchanged letters represented initial discussions, but the talks between Russia and North Korea regarding a weapons sale were progressing. These letters were sent following Shoigu's visit to North Korea, indicating an evolving dialogue between the two nations on this matter.
