The United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a report stating that the Russian Armed Forces have utilized North Korean-made missiles in their attacks on Ukrainian territory. This usage increased following the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in September 2023.
The DIA study identifies a North Korean short-range missile used in the Russian attack on Kharkov on January 2, which resulted in one fatality and fifty injuries. This incident marked the first time Kyiv publicly accused the Russian Armed Forces of employing North Korean military equipment.
The report highlights the strengthening of relations between Russia and North Korea, as evidenced by Pyongyang’s direct supply of support material, including millions of artillery shells and dozens of ballistic missiles, to aid Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Despite denials from both North Korea and Russia regarding these connections, Ukrainian authorities have reported finding remnants of North Korean missiles in areas targeted by the Russian military.
US Intelligence has compared images from North Korean missile factory visits by Kim Jong Un with images showing missile remnants in areas attacked by Russia, noting similarities between the projectiles. The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring future developments to assess the potential impact of this collaboration on the conflict in Ukraine.