Russia is reportedly providing more advanced weapons to North Korea that are intended to be used against the US and its allies, according to John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council. At the same time, Russia has also stepped up its military presence around the Korean Peninsula in an effort to deter any attempts to protect the North Korean regime. This comes as a halt in operations has been announced by the group since May 1st.

“During a press briefing, Kirby mentioned that Moscow has recently increased its naval deployment and is simultaneously moving arms from the North Korean border to the KGB,” Kirby stated.

He further explained that although Russia only supplied 165,000 barrels of refined oil to North Korea in March, it is permitted to import up to 500,000 barrels of oil annually based on the conditions of the sanctions.