Russia-North Korea arms negotiations "actively advancing," White House says

Washington — The White House said Wednesday it has new intelligence that shows Russia and North Korea are "actively advancing" high-level talks for more weapons to bolster President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. 

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have exchanged letters pledging to increase their cooperation. The letter followed a recent visit from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to the isolated regime "to try to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia," he said. 

After Shoigu's visit, another group of Russian officials traveled to Pyongyang for follow-up discussions on arms deals, Kirby said.