Examination of Russian ballistic missiles has affirmed North Korean-produced remnants across Ukraine, as indicated in an unclassified report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The DIA has determined that the Jan. 2 strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city and the largest near the Russian border, involved a short-range missile from North Korea.
The report underscores the evolving and intensifying relationship between North Korea and Russia, shedding light on this crucial national security concern. Russia has launched nearly 50 North Korean short-range ballistic missiles, but roughly half malfunctioned mid-flight, resulting in explosions.
Despite claims to the contrary, Russia and North Korea maintain their denial of any arms transaction, which would contravene an arms embargo imposed on North Korea.
The DIA report draws on images suggesting that missile debris found in Ukraine exhibits forward and aft motor sections identical to those depicted in North Korean media images of its leader and recently completed missiles.
The analysis also examined the cable tray, which channels wires from the missile’s front to its tail, as well as the handling ring connectors used for lifting and moving the missile.
The report’s release coincides with another missile demonstration by North Korea, which launched at least 10 short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday. Reports indicate that the missiles landed beyond Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff identified the missiles fired in the recent salvo as likely destined for export to Russia.
North Korea initiated negotiations with Russia in September 2022 to supply millions of rounds of shells and rockets, prompted by dwindling supplies and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the protracted nature of the conflict. Reports suggest that the first shipments of North Korean weapons arrived in November 2022, with the Russian military receiving the supplies.
North Korea’s support for Russia extended to the United Nations, where it acknowledged Moscow’s unlawful annexation of Ukrainian territory in Donetsk and Luhansk – Russia’s pretext for invading Ukraine.
By late summer 2023, Russia had begun employing North Korean ballistic missiles, targeting areas where civilian casualties have been reported, according to Kyodo News.
Reciprocally, Russia exercised its veto power in March this year to block the renewal of a U.N. committee panel dedicated to investigating North Korean breaches of Security Council resolutions.