Australia applies sanctions for North Korea arms supply

Entities linked to North Korea's supply of weapons to Russia for its war with Ukraine have been sanctioned by Australia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong revealed Australia, in coordination with international partners, would be imposing financial sanctions on six bodies associated with North Korea's arms exports to Russia.

The continued transfer of weapons is a "flagrant violation" of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and Senator Wong said Australia will continue working with allies to address the security threat posed by North Korea.

"Australia condemns, in the strongest possible terms, North Korea's illegal export and Russia's procurement and use of North Korean ballistic missiles, in support of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine," she said in a statement.

"The use of North Korean ballistic missiles by Russia increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, supports Russia's illegal and immoral war of aggression and undermines the global non-proliferation regime."

The developing relationship between two authoritarian nations has "grave implications" for Europe, the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region, Senator Wong said.

She urged North Korea and other nations to comply with the United Nations resolutions and make moves towards permanent peace.

"Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself," she said.

"Today's announcement underscores that those who provide material support to Russia's illegal and immoral war will face consequences."