Ukraine war: North Korea denies claims it sent artllery shells to Russia
North Korea has denied American claims that it's shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, and on Tuesday accused the United States of lying.
The denial follows dozens of weapons tests by North Korea, including short-range missiles that are likely nuclear-capable and an intercontinental ballistic missile that could target the US mainland. Pyongyang said it was testing the missiles and artillery so it could “mercilessly” strike key South Korean and US targets if it chose to.
North Korea has been cozying up to traditional ally Russia in recent years and even hinted at sending workers to help rebuild Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. The United States has accused North Korea, one of the most weaponised countries in the world, of supplying Soviet-era ammunition such as artillery shells, to replenish Russian stockpiles that have been depleted in the Ukraine.
Last week, Russia sent North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a trainload of 30 thoroughbred horses, opening the border with its neighbour for the first time in two-and-a-half years. Kim is an avid horseman and state media have often pictured him galloping on snowy mountain trails astride a white charger. The horses, Orlov trotters, are prized in Russia.
Spokespeople of Russia’s Far Eastern Railway told the state-run news agency on 2 November that the first train headed to North Korea with the 30 horses and said the next train was to carry medicine.
Experts say North Korea may be seeking Russian fuel and also technology transfers and supplies needed to advance its military capabilities as it pursues more sophisticated weapons systems.
In September, North Korea restarted its freight train service with China, its biggest trading
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