Russia's Attempt to Trade Food for North Korean Weapons Sanctioned by US

The US has imposed sanctions on a Slovakian man who attempted to broker an arms deal between Russia and North Korea. Ashot Mkrtychev tried to arrange the exchange of weapons and munitions from North Korea for aircraft, food and other material. The Treasury Department said Mkrtychev "confirmed Russia's readiness to receive military equipment from the DPRK with senior Russian officials." The US has previously warned that Russia is seeking to replenish its military stockpiles through deals with other countries as it struggles to replace weapons, shells and ammunition.