Russia has unleashed a new level of aggression in its invasion of Ukraine. According to a senior official in Kyiv, the Russian Federation has fired North Korean missiles at Ukrainian territory for the first time. This revelation confirms the earlier claim made by the White House. The missiles, supplied by North Korea, were used in the ongoing conflict.
A Disturbing Development
The governor of Kharkiv, a northeastern region in Ukraine, reported that his area was hit by missiles that were not of Russian origin. This statement came shortly before the senior Kyiv official, Mykhailo Podolyak, confirmed the use of North Korean missiles. This act of aggression marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as it demonstrates Russia’s willingness to use foreign-supplied weaponry against Ukraine.
Podolyak revealed that the Russian Federation no longer hides behind a facade of deniability. He described the strike as a brazen act in their “outright genocidal war.” The missiles, allegedly from North Korea, were unleashed upon Ukrainian soil, causing devastation and loss of life.
Seeking the Truth
The exact source of the missiles has yet to be proven, as evidence is still being gathered. Mykhailo Podolyak did not provide concrete proof of their North Korean origin, although the declassified intelligence mentioned by Washington supports this claim. Russia, however, has so far chosen not to comment on the accusation made by the United States.
In December and January, missiles produced outside of Russia struck Kharkiv, leaving devastation in their wake. A missile landed dangerously close to the city center, leaving a deep crater and debris. Images of these remnants were analyzed by Joost Oliemans, a Dutch researcher specializing in North Korea’s military. According to Oliemans, the missile parts closely resembled those previously seen in North Korean armaments.
Investigation and Repercussions
Kharkiv regional prosecutors have launched an investigation into the origin of the three missiles used in the attack. While they have refrained from explicitly mentioning North Korea, their efforts aim to uncover the truth. The assault on Kharkiv city resulted in two fatalities and left 62 people injured.
The Ukrainian air force has yet to ascertain the country responsible for manufacturing the missiles. However, U.S. spokesperson John Kirby disclosed that the missiles sent by Pyongyang to Russia have a range of approximately 900 km (550 miles). Visual representations released by Kirby suggest that KN-23 and KN-25 short-range ballistic missiles were used.
Violating International Embargoes
It is important to note that North Korea has been under a United Nations arms embargo since its first nuclear bomb test in 2006. This embargo, supported by Russia, prohibits countries from engaging in arms trade or any military collaboration with North Korea.
In November, South Korean authorities revealed that North Korea may have supplied short-range ballistic missiles, along with other weaponry, to Russia as part of a broader arms deal. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have consistently denied participating in any arms deals, but their deepening military ties suggest otherwise.
This recent revelation not only heightens the intensity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but also raises concerns about the extent of North Korea’s involvement in global conflicts. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community must closely monitor the situation to prevent further destabilization.