Additional Coverage:
- Satellite images show Russia defying sanctions to give North Korea 1 million barrels of oil: report (newsbreak.com)
Russia Defies Sanctions, Supplying Oil to North Korea
Satellite images reveal that Russia has provided North Korea with over a million barrels of oil this year, violating UN sanctions. The oil shipments are believed to be payment for weapons and soldiers sent to aid Russia in Ukraine.
The investigation, conducted by the BBC and analysts from the Open Source Centre, tracked tanker movements between Russia’s Vostochny port and North Korean destinations. Satellite images show vessels returning to North Korea fully laden with oil.
Russia has ignored UN sanctions against North Korea, which limit its oil imports to 500,000 barrels per year. In March, Russia vetoed a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN panel monitoring the sanctions.
The oil shipments underscore the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea, which has seen North Korea provide military aid and Russia supply oil and other resources. Analysts have warned that this partnership threatens international security and undermines global efforts to counter North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.