Russia Ships 165,000 Barrels of Oil to North Korea, Exceeding UN Cap; US Plans Sanctions

May 2, 2024, 02:29 PM

Recent developments indicate that Russia has been shipping refined petroleum to North Korea, exceeding the 500-barrel annual cap set by the United Nations Security Council, with 165,000 barrels shipped in March alone. This action appears to violate UN mandates, prompting the United States to plan new sanctions in response and work with allies on enforcement. The situation is further complicated by the dissolution of the UN sanctions panel on North Korea, a move highlighted by deepening global divisions. Notably, Russia and China, former supporters of sanctions in 2017, are now advocating for their relaxation. This shift underscores the increasing difficulty in maintaining international consensus on restraining Pyongyang's activities.