Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he has not engaged in discussions about Russia's procurement of weapons from North Korea during his recent phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This announcement comes in light of ongoing apprehensions surrounding the strengthening military partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump clarified during a press availability at the White House that the topic was not specifically addressed in his dialogue with Putin. The revelation occurs against the backdrop of the extended conflict in Ukraine, where North Korea has reportedly been backing Russia by deploying troops and supplying munitions and ballistic missiles. This military support has raised alarms about the potential for prolonging the conflict, which carries security ramifications for both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
In response to inquiries about the pressing issues concerning the war in Ukraine, Trump emphasized the significance of addressing "all issues." He highlighted various concerns, such as the plight of Ukrainian children held in Russia and the human toll of the ongoing battles, underscoring the complexity of the situation.