The White House recently disclosed that Russia deployed short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) sourced from North Korea in multiple attacks against Ukraine, based on newly declassified intelligence. John Kirby, a spokesperson for national security, stated that the United States intends to bring this matter before the United Nations Security Council.
Kirby expressed serious concern about North Korea’s transfer of arms to Russia, characterizing it as a significant escalation. The U.S. plans to impose additional sanctions on those involved in facilitating these arms deals.
Despite denials from Moscow and Pyongyang regarding such transactions, both countries pledged to enhance their military cooperation last year.
The use of these missiles has drawn criticism from the United Kingdom and South Korea. In November, South Korea had reported the possibility of North Korea supplying SRBMs to Russia as part of a broader arms agreement, which included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.
“Our intelligence suggests that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) recently supplied Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles,” stated Kirby, using North Korea’s official name. On December 30, he reported, “Russian forces fired at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine,” noting that it appeared to have landed in an open field.
Subsequently, on Tuesday, Russia launched “multiple” North Korean missiles as part of a broader series of heavy airstrikes, according to Kirby. The impact of these missiles was still under assessment by Washington. In recent times, Russia has conducted some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since the conflict began nearly two years ago.
On Tuesday, Kyiv reported that Russia had deployed over 300 attack drones and missiles of various types against cities across Ukraine since the previous Friday.
Jenny Town, the director of the Stimson Centre’s 38 North Program, which focuses on North Korea, remarked, “Similar to the artillery and munitions, all of this contributes to extending Russia’s military efforts in the war.”
While the White House did not specify the exact type of missiles sent by Pyongyang to Russia, Kirby mentioned they had an approximate range of 900 km (550 miles) and provided a graphic suggesting the KN-23 and KN-25 missiles.
These missiles are novel, solid-propellant short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) that North Korea began testing in 2019, as noted by Ankit Panda from the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Panda emphasized, “This marks the first known instance of these North Korean missiles being used in combat.”
Putin offers citizenship to foreign fighters supporting Russia
President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree granting Russian citizenship to foreign nationals participating in the conflict in Ukraine, along with their families.
The directive specifies that individuals who have entered into contracts during Moscow’s termed “special military operation” in Ukraine can seek Russian passports for themselves, as well as for their spouses, children, and parents. To be eligible, they must submit documentation demonstrating their commitment for a minimum of one year.
Those eligible include people who have signed contracts with the regular armed forces or other “military formations” – a description that could apply to groups such as the Wagner mercenary organisation.
The measure appeared to be aimed at creating additional incentives for foreigners with military experience to apply to join Russian ranks.
White House confirms Russia utilised North Kaorean missiles in Ukraine strikes
Moscow does not publish data on the number of foreigners fighting on its side in Ukraine. However, Reuters has reported previously on Cubans who signed up for the military in return for bonuses equivalent to more than 100 times the average Cuban monthly salary, and three Africans recruited by Wagner, of whom two were killed in action.
