Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” their negotiations on a potential arms deal that will provide important ammunition for different types of weapons systems, including artillery, to Russia, which is desperate to acquire more material for its invasion of Ukraine, according to recently released US intelligence.

News of the potential deal comes despite North Korea’s public claims to the contrary.

The Biden administration said Wednesday it remains concerned that the two nations are in the middle of arms negotiations and that, following Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s trip to North Korea last month, a second delegation of Russian officials visited Pyongyang to further discussions regarding a possible agreement.

In addition to the second delegation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged letters “promising to increase their bilateral cooperation”, according to National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby.

“We remain concerned that the DPRK continues to consider providing military support to Russian military forces in Ukraine, and we have new information to share today that arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively moving forward,” Kirby said. “Following these negotiations, the high-level discussion can continue in the coming months.”

The public disclosure of the new information is the latest example of how the Biden administration plans to continue to publicize Russia’s efforts to evade Western sanctions and procure weapons for its war, as well as inform North Korea that the The US is closely monitoring these efforts.