The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released an unclassified report showing that debris from North Korean-produced ballistic missiles has been found throughout Ukraine, particularly after an attack on Kharkiv. These missiles, believed to be short-range missiles, demonstrate a strengthening relationship between North Korea and Russia. While Russia has reportedly fired up to 50 North Korean-made missiles, many of them have failed to reach their targets, causing explosions in the air. Both countries deny any arms deal, as it would violate an arms embargo on North Korea.
The DIA report used open-source imagery to confirm that the missile debris found in Ukraine matches components shown in images released by the North Korean press agency, indicating the involvement of North Korea in supplying missiles to Russia. This publication coincides with North Korea’s recent missile salvo demonstration, in which at least 10 short-range ballistic missiles were fired off the country’s east coast. South Korea’s military believes that these missiles were likely destined for export to Russia. The ongoing collaboration between North Korea and Russia raises concerns about the proliferation of ballistic missiles and the potential for further military aggression.
In September 2022, North Korea began negotiations with Russia to sell millions of rounds of shells and rockets as supplies dwindled and Russian President Vladimir Putin realized the conflict in Ukraine would be prolonged. The first shipments of North Korean weapons reportedly arrived in November 2022 and were received by the mercenary Wagner forces. North Korea’s support for Russia extended to international politics, with North Korea recognizing Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory in Donetsk and Luhansk. By the end of 2023, Russia had started using North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks that resulted in civilian casualties.
In return for North Korean support, Russia used its veto power in March to block the renewal of a U.N. committee panel investigating North Korean violations of Security Council resolutions. This demonstrates the extent to which North Korea and Russia are working together to further their interests, despite international sanctions and condemnation. The revelation of North Korean missile debris in Ukraine highlights the complex web of relationships and alliances that exist in global geopolitics and the urgency of addressing the proliferation of ballistic missiles and other weapons. It also underscores the need for enhanced international cooperation and measures to prevent the misuse and spread of advanced military technology.
