The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed allegations that Pyongyang is exploring the possibility of exporting weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine.
Kim repeatedly inspected the production of mobile missile launchers and other military equipment earlier this month. Experts and others in South Korea have suggested that he may have exports to Russia in mind.
In a press statement released through the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Friday, his sister Kim Yo Jong said, "What is most urgent for us is not to 'advertise' or 'export' something, but to make the war readiness and war deterrent of our army more perfect in quality and quantity."
She added that tactical weapons shown by Pyongyang are produced not for exports but only for a deterrent against South Korea.
Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it is imposing sanctions on two Russian individuals and three Russia-based entities for "facilitating weapons transfers" between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The US government accuses North Korea of providing ballistic missiles and other weapons for Russia in return for military assistance.