Russia deploys North Korean missile unit to Ukraine; Moscow-Pyongyang axis deepens: report
Russia has begun deploying a North Korean missile unit to support its war in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official cited by Reuters. The move signals a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, adding a further layer of North Korean involvement beyond the troops and munitions already supplied to Russia's war effort.
The unit is reportedly equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, with around 90 North Korean personnel expected to be stationed in Russia's western military district. The report comes as Russia continues to strike Ukrainian targets, including a recent deadly missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least 17 people.
In short
- Russia deploys North Korean missile unit with up to 120 missiles
- About 90 North Korean troops expected in western Russia
- Signals deepening Moscow-Pyongyang military cooperation in Ukraine war
Explained simply
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and has since involved sustained fighting and missile strikes. North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong Un, has become a military partner of Russia, which is led by President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine is defending itself against Russian forces and receives military and financial support from several countries. Any North Korean role in operating missiles would add to reported supplies of weapons and personnel to Russia, and could affect the scale and reach of attacks in the war.