Russia has shut down a UN panel of experts responsible for monitoring sanctions against North Korea, sparking global condemnation. The closure comes amid accusations that Russia violated rules by procuring North Korean weapons, including ballistic missiles, for use in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing imposition of sanctions on Pyongyang by the UN Security Council since 2006, the disbandment of the expert group marks a significant setback in monitoring violations. Russia’s veto in the Security Council triggered criticism from Western allies, who allege that the move aims to silence the panel’s reporting on Moscow’s own violations. South Korea condemned Russia’s actions, likening it to destroying surveillance to evade accountability. Russia, however, denies the allegations and argues that the expert panel lacked value. Efforts by Russia and China to ease sanctions since 2019 have faced opposition, as North Korea continues to defy sanctions, pursuing nuclear weapons development and aggressive military strategies. Despite the sanctions’ economic impact, North Korea persists in missile tests, nuclear weapon development, cyber attacks, and circumventing petroleum import restrictions.
