The White House recently disclosed that Russia utilized short range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) obtained from North Korea to carry out multiple strikes against Ukraine. The information, based on newly declassified intelligence, has prompted the United States to address the matter with the United Nations Security Council.
John Kirby, the national security spokesperson, characterized North Korea’s transfer of arms to Russia as a “significant and concerning escalation.” He announced the United States’ intention to impose additional sanctions on those involved in facilitating such arms deals. The revelation underscores the complex and interconnected nature of global arms transfers and raises international concerns about the implications of such actions.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied conducting any arms deals, but vowed last year to deepen military relations. Russia utilized short range
The use of the missiles drew condemnation from Britain, as well as South Korea, which had reported in November that North Korea may have supplied SRBMs to Russia as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.
“Our information indicates that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles,” said Kirby, using the official name of North Korea.
On December 30, it was reported that Russian forces had launched at least one North Korean ballistic missile into Ukraine, with the missile apparently landing in an open field. Subsequently, on Tuesday, Russia carried out multiple launches of North Korean missiles as part of an intensified series of air strikes. The United States, as per John Kirby, is still evaluating the impact of these missile launches.
These events coincide with Russia’s recent escalation in attacks on Ukraine, marking some of the most intense strikes since the conflict began nearly two years ago. According to Kyiv, Russia has launched over 300 attack drones and various types of missiles at cities across Ukraine since the previous Friday, further heightening tensions in the region.