🇷🇺🇰🇵 | Russia vetoes the renewal of an UN panel that oversees North Korean sanctions

The Russian Federation used its veto power in the UNSC to block a draft resolution that would renovate the mandate of the experts who monitor North Korea’s compliance with UN-sanctions, which were imposed on the country in 2016.

The Russian stunt comes after the panel started investigating the country for supposedly having breaching the sanctions regime, by exporting weapons and oil from North Korea.

Russia’s manoeuvre sparked outrage in the West and South Korea, whose leaders claimed that the country is prioritising its economic gains over peace and security. The Ukrainian representative states that what Russia did was tantamount to a “guilt plea”.

In recent years, the Russian and North Korean governments strengthened their ties. Russia has spoken out against the sanctions imposed on the Juche regime, asserting that it is stifling the country and harming its population.