NEW: North Korea sending Russia "a significant number of artillery shells" for war in Ukraine, says White House NSC spokesman John Kirby.
"We're not talking dozens here, it's significant number of artillery shells. It's a sign of not only the degree to which North Korea is willing continue to bolster support Russia but a sign of Russia's own defense articles shortages and needs."
BIG CAVEAT here: Unclear whether Moscow is getting the artillery DPRK is working to send.
"Our information indicates that the DPRK is covertly supplying but also monitor to see whether they're actually received on the other end."
"Our information indicates that the DPRK is covertly supplying but also monitor to see whether they're actually received on the other end."
"Our information indicates that they're trying to obscure the method of supply by by funneling them through other countries in the Middle East and North Africa."
Kirby's not answering questions about the method of conveyance for the artillery.
Also, no word yet on sanctions or interdiction methods.
"We'll obviously consult allies and partners particularly at the UN on additional accountability measures. We've made no decisions about that."
"We'll obviously consult allies and partners particularly at the UN on additional accountability measures. We've made no decisions about that."
"We felt it was important for us to call out ... We had indications that the Russians were reaching out to North Korea, and we made that public too at the time that they were reaching out to North Korea for the possible purchase of artillery shells."
On a related matter: "No indications that there's been a transfer of surface to surface missiles from Iran to Russia." WH has been warning Moscow may look to Tehran for this sort of ballistic missiles.
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