Russia accused of using North Korean ballistic missile in Ukraine war
- 4 January, 21:42
Russia is using ballistic missiles and missile launchers provided by North Korea in its attacks on Ukraine, the White House has reported. According to a US intelligence report, missiles with ranges of about 900km were fired by Russia in two attacks on Ukraine within the past week.
“Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday, with reference to newly declassified intelligence.
The US official described North Korea’s missile supply to Russia a "significant and concerning escalation" relating to Pyongyang's support for Moscow. Kirby further said that Washington would raise this issue at the UN Security Council and impose additional sanctions against those facilitating the arms deals.
Earlier, the United Kingdom and South Korea condemned Russia’s use of North Korean ballistic missiles. In November, South Korean reported that Pyongyang may have supplied SRBMs to Moscow as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.
Both Russia and North Korea have denied conducting any arms deals, but vowed last year to deepen military ties.
Russia has recently stepped up its missile attacks on Ukraine. On November 25, Russia launched its most intense drone attack on Ukraine since the beginning of its full-fledged invasion in 2022, targeting Kyiv and other cities
