In a bold move, U.S. allies have established a new body to monitor North Korean sanctions violations after Russia, a growing ally of Pyongyang, vetoed efforts at the U.N. Security Council. The new “Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team” (MSMT) was formed by 11 nations, including the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and several European countries, to fill the void left by the U.N.’s dissolved panel.
Russia’s interference comes as ties with North Korea tighten, with reports suggesting North Korean soldiers are training to join Russia’s fight in Ukraine. Intelligence indicates that North Korea is also supplying artillery and tactical missiles to Russia, further complicating international efforts to isolate both nations.
Despite Russia’s veto, the MSMT aims to track and report violations of sanctions against North Korea’s nuclear program. However, with Russia and North Korea’s strategic partnership deepening, including a clause to defend each other in case of invasion, experts question how effective this new body will be in curbing Pyongyang’s ambitions.
