Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act

This bill punishes people and banks that help move North Korean weapons, money, or support to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It freezes any money or property they have in the United States and denies them U.S. visas and entry. It also covers anyone who helps ship or finance these deals, including foreign banks that handle major transactions for them. The bill expands existing North Korea sanctions law to include stopping help for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

There are narrow exceptions so recognized humanitarian groups can deliver aid under a waiver. The President can waive sanctions if it is vital to U.S. national security, and violators face penalties under existing sanctions laws . The President must report to Congress within 90 days of the law taking effect, and then every 6 months, listing who was sanctioned, what they did, how much support foreign governments provided, and a U.S. plan to stop this activity. These steps respond to reports that North Korea may send arms to Russia, which would also break U.N. rules.

Key points

• Who is affected: Foreign individuals and banks tied to North Korea-to-Russia arms or support; humanitarian groups have a limited aid exception .
• What changes: Asset freezes in the U.S., visa bans, penalties; adds this issue to existing North Korea sanctions law; possible national security waivers .
• When: Reporting starts 90 days after enactment and continues every 180 days.