The United States has declared that Russia utilized short-range ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in two recent attacks on Ukraine, marking an “escalation” in Pyongyang’s support for Moscow. The White House emphasized the serious implications of this development for both the European conflict and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. The North Korean-made missiles were launched on December 30 and January 2, contributing to over 500 missiles and drones fired at Ukraine during the New Year’s holiday. The introduction of North Korean weapons into the Ukrainian conflict is expected to have repercussions reaching the Korean Peninsula, around 7,500 kilometers away.
During a White House briefing, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby highlighted that Russia, facing increased isolation globally due to sanctions, has turned to North Korea for military equipment. The move is seen as a significant and concerning escalation in North Korea’s support for Russia. Analysts, including Joseph Dempsey from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized that the use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine provides Pyongyang with valuable operational data that testing programs may not offer.
Kirby and experts anticipate wider consequences, suggesting that in exchange for its support, North Korea may seek military assistance from Russia, including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and advanced technologies. This potential collaboration raises security concerns for the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.
The analysts noted that the use of North Korean short-range ballistic missiles by Russia provides quantitative benefits by boosting Russia’s missile stocks without depleting its own inventory. The missiles, with a range of up to 900 kilometers, enable Russia to conduct deep strikes from within its territory, offering protection against Ukrainian counterstrikes.
Furthermore, it was mentioned that North Korean supplies benefit Moscow economically, with revenue generated by Pyongyang acting as another source of export income. The close land border between Russia and North Korea makes it challenging for Western states to interrupt such transfers.
The overall picture is seen as troubling, with the anticipation that Russia may use additional North Korean missiles to target Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and harm innocent civilians. This situation adds to the complexities of the ongoing conflict, affecting not only Europe but also raising security concerns for the Korean Peninsula. The need for the U.S. Congress to pass a significant military aid package for Ukraine is emphasized, particularly for air defenses against Russian aerial attacks. The recent use of North Korean missiles underscores the urgency of such support.