US: Russia Uses North Korean Ballistic Missiles in Attack on Ukraine

Satellites and Nuclear-Powered Submarines
North Korea Demands in Exchange for Advanced Technology

The White House announced on the 4th (local time) that Russia has received ballistic missiles and launchers from North Korea, some of which have already been used in attacks on Ukraine. It is understood that North Korea is demanding advanced technology that can be used for the development of military weapons such as satellites and nuclear-powered submarines from Russia in exchange for providing these weapons.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un, who is visiting Russia, held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 13 last year, according to Korean Central TV. [Korean Central TV screen] 2023.9.14 [Image source=Yonhap News]

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated at a briefing that "North Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and multiple ballistic missiles." He reported that on the 30th of last month, Russian forces fired at least one missile at Ukraine, and that several North Korean ballistic missiles were used in nighttime airstrikes targeting Ukraine on the 2nd of this year. The missile launched on the 30th of last month is believed to have landed in an open area near Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, approximately 460 km away. The impact of the missile launched on the 2nd is currently under evaluation.

Kirby explained that the range of North Korean ballistic missiles reaches approximately 900 km. He expressed strong concern, stating, "We expect Russia to use additional North Korean missiles to attack Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and kill innocent Ukrainian civilians." He also assessed that "North Korea is requesting fighter jets, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, supplies, and other advanced technologies in exchange for this support to Russia," pointing out that "this indicates security concerns."

On the same day, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing U.S. government officials familiar with North Korea-Russia transactions, reported that Russia has secured various weapons, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea over the past few weeks and is also pursuing deals with Iran. South Korean military authorities also revealed last November that North Korea may have supported Russia with artillery shells, portable surface-to-air missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles.

U.S. and South Korean authorities believe that around the time when Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea in July last year and met with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, a large quantity of military supplies was transferred to Russia. It has also been suggested that after the summit between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 13 last year, North Korea may have acquired satellite launch technology from Russia, which was possibly used during the military reconnaissance satellite launch last month. However, the White House did not disclose whether Russia transferred related technology to North Korea. Arms transactions with North Korea violate United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Accordingly, the United States plans to impose additional sanctions. Kirby stated, "This is a direct violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," and added, "We will demand accountability." He also said, "We will impose additional sanctions on those involved in Russia's arms transactions." Furthermore, he urged prompt approval of the Ukraine support budget requested by the U.S. administration, which is still pending in Congress.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, also issued a statement shortly thereafter, saying, "Both North Korea and Russia have flagrantly violated UN Security Council sanctions that prohibit North Korean weapons," and announced that the issue of sanctions violations by North Korea and Russia will be raised at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine scheduled for the 10th. She criticized, "Russia is expected to launch more North Korean missiles to destroy Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and kill civilians," and stated, "It is unacceptable for Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, to neglect its obligation to comply with the arms embargo on North Korean weapons."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.