US Accuses Russia Of Using North Korean Ballistic Missiles Against Ukraine

The US has alleged that Russia used ballistic missiles and launchers supplied by North Korea in its war against Ukraine. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called it a “significant and concerning escalation” relating to Pyongyang’s support for Russia, as reported by the BBC. Kirby said that the US would raise this matter at the UN Security Council and impose additional sanctions on those who are working to facilitate arms transfers. Moscow, however, has denied any such collaboration.

The US has previously also accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Russia, however, this is the first time when the US intelligence has shared details about the missiles — self-guided rockets that can reach targets 900km (500 miles) away, BBC reported.

Kirby on Thursday said that Russia’s procurement of ballistic missiles from North Korea was a direct violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions. He said, “We will demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligations.”

He added that the US believed Russia was planning on buying close-range missiles from Iran. Kirby also urged Congress to approve extra funding for Ukraine ‘without any delay’. BBC quoted him as saying, “The most effective response to Russia’s horrific violence against the Ukrainian people is to continue to provide Ukraine with vital air defence capabilities and other types of military equipment. Iran and the DPRK [North Korea] are standing with Russia. Ukrainians deserve to know that the American people and this government will continue to stand with them.”

The UK on the other hand has said that it “strongly condemns” Russia’s use of ballistic missiles in Ukraine that are sourced from North Korea.

BBC quoted a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as saying, “North Korea is subject to a robust sanctions regime, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”