The UK, in collaboration with international partners, has unveiled a new sanctions package targeting the illicit arms-for-oil trade between Russia and North Korea (DPRK).

Three companies and one individual are now subject to various measures, including asset freezes, travel bans, and transport sanctions. This move aims to expose and counteract the illegal partnership between Russia and the DPRK, particularly following Russia’s veto of the DPRK UN Panel of Experts' mandate.

The sanctions underscore the covert efforts of Russia and the DPRK to bypass sanctions on petroleum products, which support the DPRK’s unlawful military programs.

UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated: "Putin is straining every sinew to sustain his illegal war in Ukraine, even resorting to illicit ‘arms-for-oil’ trade deals with the DPRK, blatantly violating UN sanctions that Russia itself voted for, and vetoing UN Monitoring panels that report on their activity.

We cannot – and we will not – stay silent as the DPRK and Russia engage in arms transfers. The UK will continue to hold the DPRK and Russia to account. We will work with our partners to protect the global non-proliferation regime and international peace and security".

This announcement follows Russia’s veto of the mandate renewal for the United Nations Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts, which monitored DPRK sanctions compliance and enforcement. This veto is another instance of Russia’s support for the DPRK, in breach of UN sanctions, to sustain its illegal war in Ukraine.

Today’s sanctions package includes:

-Paekyangsan Shipping Co Ltd: Involved in facilitating DPRK military programs by transferring petroleum products between Russia and DPRK. Subject to an asset freeze and transport sanctions.

-Toplivo Bunkering Company (TBK) and director Aleksey Mikhailovich Vorotnikov: Allowed vessels transferring petroleum to DPRK to refuel in the Russian port of Vostochny. Vorotnikov is subject to an asset freeze and travel ban.

-Vostochnaya Stevedoring Co LLC: A major Russian cargo service provider operating from the port of Vostochny, also subject to an asset freeze and trust services sanctions.

These sanctions reaffirm that Russia cannot conceal its illicit partnership with the DPRK, following its UN Panel of Experts veto.

The 1718 Committee’s Panel of Experts mandate expired on 30 April 2024 due to Russia’s veto. The Panel provided credible, independent reporting, enabling the international community to monitor UN sanctions implementation and curtail North Korea’s illegal development of nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This action undermines resolutions Russia previously supported, aimed at protecting the non-proliferation regime and international peace and security.

The UK’s new sanctions are part of a coordinated effort with international partners. The US announced its sanctions package on 16 May, with further announcements from other partners expected soon. Photo by Roman Harak, Wikimedia commons.