North Korea Supplied Russia with Missiles for Ukraine Attacks: US

Defense News ,Russia & North Korea :- In a recent announcement from the White House on Thursday, it was revealed that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers, heightening concerns over the ongoing attacks on Ukraine. The National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, disclosed that these Pyongyang-provided missiles, with a range of approximately 900 kilometers (550 miles), were utilized by Russia in two recent attacks within the past week.

Kirby emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "Our information indicates that the Democratic People Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles. This is a significant and concerning escalation of the DPRK support for Russia."

The revelation has sparked a call for urgent action from the United States Congress to pass a crucial package of military aid for Ukraine. Kirby stressed that without this aid, the support pipeline for Ukraine would soon run dry. He highlighted the immediate priority of bolstering air defenses for Ukraine, which has been subjected to relentless aerial attacks by Russia in recent days.

"Its critical that Congress meets this moment and responds by providing the Ukrainians what they need to defend themselves. The time for Congress to act is now," Kirby urged.

According to Kirby, Russian forces launched at least one of the North Korean-supplied missiles on December 30, landing in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Subsequently, Moscow forces initiated a mass aerial attack on January 2, firing "multiple" ballistic missiles into Ukraine.

In response to this breach of UN sanctions against North Korea, the United States and its allies plan to raise the issue at the UN Security Council. Additionally, Russia is reportedly in talks with its ally Iran to purchase missiles, including close-range ballistic missiles.

The announcement comes after the United States revealed in October that North Korea had delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia. This latest disclosure marks the first reported use of such arms.

The connection between North Korea and Russia was brought to attention when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia far east in September, meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This raised concerns among Kyiv allies about the potential for an arms deal. Putin, who initiated the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, recently promised to intensify strikes on Ukraine after an unprecedented attack on the Russian city of Belgorod.

In response to the heightened threat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his New Year address, vowed to unleash "wrath" against Russian forces in 2024, emphasizing the need for Western allies to expedite the delivery of air defense equipment, combat drones, and long-range missiles.