The U.S. government said Thursday that North Korean officials tried to sell more than 20 types of weapons and munitions to Russia in support of its war in Ukraine.

The Treasury Department said it has sanctioned a Slovakian man for attempting to coordinate the transaction between late 2022 and early 2023 which would have seen raw materials, commercial aircraft and other items shipped to North Korea as payment.

"Today's action is a clear message that the United States will not relent in targeting those who provide support to Russia's aggression and brutal war against Ukraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

With the action, all U.S. assets of the Slovakian broker, Ashot Mkrtychev, will be frozen and any financial dealings with him will effectively be blocked.

This is the first time sanctions have been imposed in response to a Russian bid to secure weapons from North Korea, according to Blinken.

The White House said late last year North Korea assisted Russia's military operations against Ukraine by providing weapons and ammunition to the Wagner Group, a mercenary force fighting for the Kremlin.

Satellite imagery was released by the U.S. government in January which it said shows Russian railcars traveling to North Korea on Nov. 18 and returning to Russia the following day with containers.

U.S. officials said they have not confirmed any link between the latest case and the transfer involving Wagner.

"We have not at this time, beyond which had been previously announced beyond the shipment that Wagner Group had previously arranged for," Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder said. "But it's, again, something we continue to keep a close eye on."

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