N Korean missile unit deployed in Russia, says Ukraine
A North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia and could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine, an official at Ukraine's military intelligence agency said.
Ukraine's military intelligence agency reported that a North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia. The unit, which could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, is intended to target Ukraine. This deployment follows Russia's recent strikes on homes in Ukraine's eastern city of Balakliia, which killed three people.
Ukraine is struggling to defend itself against Russia's extensive use of ballistic missiles, and the deployment of North Korean missile forces would further complicate the situation. Russian forces have fired North Korean ballistic missiles at Ukraine since late 2023, and the new deployment would expand this military cooperation.
The United States is aware of the North Korean deployment but has not provided further details. North Korea has already sent a batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia, and the exact number of missiles in the new deployment will be determined at upcoming top-level talks. The deployment is expected to involve 120 North Korean ballistic missiles and six launchers.
The North Korean missiles pose a significant threat to Ukraine's air defenses, which are already stretched thin. The Russian Defence Ministry and North Korea's embassy at the United Nations did not respond to requests for comment.
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