Mounting Tension Between US And Russia As America Imposed Sanctions On Three Companies
The United States has imposed sanctions on three companies… adding fire to the existing tension between US and Russia. These firms are linked to a Slovakian national—Ashot Mkrtychev. The sanctioning aims to: curtail the alleged arms transactions between “North Korea and Russia” (ushering in more tension between US and Russia) for the utilization—in the Ukraine conflict. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) unveiled a consequential measure. OFAC actioned in singling out Moscow-based Limited Liability Company Verus (Verus); Kazakhstan-based Defense Engineering Limited Liability Partnership (Defense Engineering); and Bratislava-based Versor S.R.O. (Versor). These three firms are all under Mkrtychev’s ownership umbrella.
REFERENCE: NK News
The U.S. government contends that these companies [Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor] have played a role in exacerbating the tension between US and Russia. The three companies [Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor] facilitated the provision of “weapons and munitions” from North Korea to Russia—heaping more coals to the existing (tension between US and Russia). These aids [contributed by Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor] have reportedly been channeled into the ongoing—Ukrainian conflict… where Russia has been scuffling with equipment shortages. This collaborative arms approach {between North Korea and Russia} prolongs the conflict… heaping more coals to the existing tension between US and Russia. Moreover, the US asserts that the collaborative approach bolsters Russia’s military capabilities—heaping more coals to the “existing tension between US and Russia.”
Ashot Mkrtychev was previously sanctioned by the US. It [Ashot Mkrtychev] has been in the spotlight for orchestrating these intricate arms dealings… adding more tension between US and Russia. The UK has also followed suit; independently designating Mkrtychev to further “curb” the Kremlin’s access—to foreign military resources. The latest sanctions [on Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor] comes on the heels of a commitment made by the US to: clamping down on North Korea’s “purported support” for—Russia’s military endeavors in Ukraine.
Sanctions’ Corollaries Heap More Coals To The Existing Tension Between US and Russia
The repercussions of these sanctions [on Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor] extend beyond mere individuals… as they add more fire to the existing tension between US and Russia. The output of Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor’s sanctions extends to the designated companies’ assets and their employees. Experts posit that Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor’s sanctions have broader implications including—increased tension between US and Russia. Furthermore, it [Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor’s sanctions] also targets entire entities rather than isolated individuals. John Everard (previously served as a coordinator for the U.N. Experts’ Panel on North Korea) emphasizes the “obstructive nature” of such actions on Russia’s pursuit of arms.
The effectiveness of these sanctions [on Verus; Defense Engineering; and Versor]—that add tension between US and Russia—remains to be seen as the situation unfolds… particularly, in the context of—Russia’s armament strategies and intentions. The US has maintained that North Korea has been supplying Russia with munitions. Moreover, concrete evidence (North Korea’s support to Russia) beyond satellite imagery remains scant… however, North Korea itself has refuted the US claims. Additionally, North Korea asserted its sovereign right to trade arms despite international sanctions.
REFERENCE: Charlotte Observer
A recent visit by a Russian delegation to Pyongyang has reignited “suspicions” of arms transactions. Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed President Vladimir Putin’s gratitude to (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un—for his support in the Ukraine conflict. Sergei Shoigu’s visit also witnessed a display of weaponry… hinting at the potential “transaction of arms” for Russia’s military pursuits.
The US endeavors to sever the alleged arms supply chain between North Korea and Russia. Further, the intricate web of: international arms trade; geopolitics; and conflicting narratives—continues to weave a “complex motley” in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict… appending the tension between US and Russia.
