Ukraine Claims North Korea Sent Missile Unit and Ballistic Missiles to Support Russia
Reports suggest a significant deepening of military ties between North Korea and Russia, involving the alleged transfer of advanced KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles and military personnel to support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. These maneuverable missiles are assessed as capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads, though nuclear transfers are unconfirmed. The claims, while denied by both nations and lacking independent verification, have raised alarms among Western officials regarding the expanded military cooperation.
Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) has claimed that North Korea has expanded its military support for Russia by deploying personnel and supplying additional KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles.
According to the agency, about 90 North Korean personnel are undergoing training in Russia's Voronezh region and are expected to operate six missile launchers with an initial stock of 120 missiles. Reuters also cited Ukrainian intelligence as reporting that Pyongyang recently delivered a further 40 ballistic missiles to Russia.
The KN-23 and KN-24 are advanced short-range ballistic missile systems capable of maneuvering during flight, making them more difficult for air defence systems to intercept. Defence analysts have assessed that the missiles are capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads, although there is no evidence that any nuclear warheads have been transferred. If confirmed, the reported deployment would represent a further expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed the reported missile transfers or personnel deployment. Moscow and Pyongyang have consistently denied accusations from Western governments that North Korea is supplying weapons for use in the war in Ukraine, maintaining that their defence cooperation complies with international law.
Nevertheless, the reports have heightened concerns among Western officials over the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and its potential impact on the conflict.