In a recent announcement, the White House disclosed that Russia utilized short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) acquired from North Korea in a series of attacks on Ukraine. John Kirby, the national security spokesperson, informed reporters about this development and stated that the United States would bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council.
Describing North Korea's transfer of arms to Russia as a "significant and concerning escalation," Kirby revealed that the U.S. would implement additional sanctions against those involved in facilitating these arms deals. While both Moscow and Pyongyang deny any such arms transactions, they pledged to deepen military ties last year.
The employment of these missiles prompted condemnation from the United Kingdom and South Korea. In November, South Korea had reported that North Korea might have supplied SRBMs to Russia, forming part of a broader arms deal that included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.
Kirby provided details on the recent events, stating that on December 30, Russian forces launched at least one North Korean ballistic missile into Ukraine, which appeared to land in an open field. Subsequently, on Tuesday, Russia launched "multiple" North Korean missiles in a broader wave of heavy air strikes, with the impact still being assessed by Washington.
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. A graphic shared by Kirby suggested the involvement of KN-23 and KN-25 missiles. These missiles, identified as new, solid-propellant SRBMs tested by North Korea since 2019, are making their first known combat appearance.
Jenny Town, the director of the Stimson Center's 38 North Program, noted that such weaponry aids Russia in prolonging its war efforts against Ukraine. Despite acknowledging that Iran has not supplied close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, the U.S. believes Russia intends to acquire missile systems from Iran. Moscow has heavily relied on Iran for various weaponry, including drones, for its actions against Ukraine.
