Recent attacks on Ukraine by Russia involved ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea, according to US officials. The rockets, boasting a range of approximately 900km, were utilized in two separate incidents within the past week.
This breach of UN sanctions against North Korea will be addressed by the United States and its allies at the United Nations Security Council. The development signifies an alarming escalation in North Korea’s support for Russia.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concern, labelling Russia’s use of North Korean-supplied missiles as a troubling escalation. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin condemned Russia’s “senseless war of aggression against Ukraine.” Russia is also exploring missile purchases from its ally Iran, with ongoing talks regarding close-range ballistic missiles.
In October, the United States reported that North Korea had delivered over 1,000 containers of military equipment to Russia, marking the first documented use of such weapons. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia’s Far East in September, where he met President Vladimir Putin, raised concerns about potential arms deals among Ukrainian allies.
Ukraine has not confirmed the use of North Korean missiles, with its air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat stating, “So far, we have no information that such missiles have been used.” Regarding safety reasons, Russia confirmed blocking the UN’s nuclear watchdog from accessing parts of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has monitored the plant since September 2022. Responding to IAEA claims of restricted access, Russia’s Rosatom official Renat Karchaa alleged the attempt to access “containment shells.”
“The content of the latest statement gives us reason to assume that either Rafael Grossi was not informed fully enough, or the information was submitted by people with low professional training, which is hard to believe,” said Mr Karchaa. The Zaporizhzhia power plant, captured by Moscow’s forces in September 2022, has faced shelling and drone attacks throughout the ongoing conflict.
Related
