UNITED NATIONS — Recent findings revealed that North Korea has proven its capability to produce ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use in Ukraine within a matter of months, according to a research organization focused on documenting weapons used in the ongoing conflict.
Investigators reported to the U.N. Security Council that they examined remains of four missiles from North Korea discovered in Ukraine during July and August. Notably, one of the missiles bore markings indicating a production date of 2024.
“This marks the first publicly available evidence that missiles were produced in North Korea and subsequently utilized in Ukraine within a matter of months, rather than years,” a representative stated.
Previously, the organization had informed the Security Council that it had conclusively determined that ballistic missile debris in Ukraine earlier this year originated from North Korea.
The organization, established in 2011 to trace weapons used in conflicts, has been actively documenting arms issues in Ukraine since 2018.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine during a late November meeting with Russia’s defense chief, according to state media.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador objected to the presentation at the council meeting, claiming that the researcher was aligned with NATO and the European Union and questioning the impartiality of the assessments provided.
In response, the U.S. ambassador indicated that the actions taken by Russia to veto a resolution limiting U.N. monitoring of sanctions against North Korea underscore the significance of independent research in this context.
She emphasized that reports from independent organizations illustrate why Russia seeks to obstruct the renewal of monitoring mandates, highlighting ongoing violations of council resolutions by Russia and North Korea concerning arms transfers.
The researcher reaffirmed the findings of their investigations, noting three critical observations regarding North Korea’s missile activities.
The analysis confirms the ongoing use of newly manufactured North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine. The discovery of a 2024 production date on one missile emphasizes the rapid timeline from missile production to deployment in the conflict.
Additionally, evidence of recently produced missile components not sourced from North Korea further illustrates the robust acquisition network supporting North Korea’s ballistic missile program, persisting despite U.N. sanctions.
North Korea’s U.N. representative defended the partnership with Russia, labeling it a constructive influence on international peace and security, and dismissed criticisms regarding military interventions and financial aid provided by the U.S. and its allies to Ukraine.
