According to the White House, North Korea recently supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers which have been used in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The information was disclosed on Thursday and the United States has stated that it will bring up the matter with the United Nations Security Council. National security spokesperson John Kirby has called the transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia a “significant and concerning escalation” and has also announced additional sanctions against those facilitating the arms deals.
Kirby mentioned, “Our information indicates that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles.” He also stated that “Russian forces launched at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine,” which appeared to have landed in an open field.
While Iran has not supplied close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, the United States believes that Russia is planning to purchase missile systems from Iran. Russia has heavily relied on Iran for drones and other weaponry for use against Ukraine.
The recent attacks from Russia on Ukraine have been some of the most intense since the conflict began nearly two years ago. Kyiv reported that Russia had launched over 300 attack drones and missiles at various cities across Ukraine since Friday.
The White House’s announcement of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict with Russia has added another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. The United States will continue to monitor the situation and take action as necessary to address the escalating conflict.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Leslie Adler)
