The White House expressed concern from deepening relations between Russia and North Korea, at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a visit to Pyongyang, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the visit appeared to be part of Putin's campaign to win support after the Russian election.
"What worries us is the deepening of the relationship between these two countries, and not only because of the impact it will have on the Ukrainian people, as we know that North Korean ballistic missiles continue to be used to strike for purposes in Ukraine, but also because there could be some reciprocity that would affect the security of the Korean Peninsula," Kirby said, quoted by France Press.
Earlier today, the Kremlin announced that the Russian president will visit North Korea on June 18 and 19, and then Vietnam - on June 19 and 20.