The United States has imposed sanctions on two Russian citizens and three Russia-based companies for their alleged involvement in military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, according to a statement by the US Treasury Department.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Treasury Department announced the sanctions, which target Rafael Gazaryan and his associated companies, Trans Kapital and Rafort. Additionally, Alexey Budnev and his company, Tekhnologiya, have been blacklisted.

The sanctions result in the freezing of any assets these entities and individuals may have in the United States, and prohibit American citizens and companies from engaging in business with them.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has repeatedly denied the accusations from Western countries, labeling them as unfounded and lacking evidence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has also dismissed claims that North Korea is providing military assistance to Russia as mere rumors.

The US Treasury's action underscores ongoing tensions and allegations regarding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, despite denials from Russian officials. (ILKHA)