Russia Requests New KN-30 Ballistic Missiles From North Korea, Three Times More Powerful Than KN-23/24 — Ukrainian Intelligence
Russia has asked North Korea for a new batch of KN-30 ballistic missiles, which Ukrainian intelligence estimates could be three times more powerful than the KN-23/24. However, no transfer of KN-30 missiles from North Korea to Russia has been confirmed so far, UATV English reports. Andrii Cherniak, a representative of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (DIU) , said Russia is negotiating…
Russia has requested a new shipment of KN-30 ballistic missiles from North Korea, which Ukrainian intelligence believes could be up to three times more powerful than the KN-23/24 missiles. As of now, there is no confirmed transfer of KN-30 missiles from North Korea to Russia, according to UATV English. Andrii Cherniak, a representative from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (DIU), revealed that Russia is in negotiations with Pyongyang to secure additional military assistance prior to the autumn-winter period.
Preliminary Ukrainian intelligence estimates suggest that Moscow is requesting 120 ballistic missiles, six launchers, a missile unit for up to 90 personnel, and a troop contingent ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops. The intended deployment location for the requested forces and weapons remains unclear. Among the previously requested weapons, Russia has already received around 40 KN-23/24 missiles, with two reportedly used by Russian forces in a recent Ukraine attack.
Cherniak emphasized that Russia's missile campaign aims not only to inflict physical damage but also to create psychological pressure on the Ukrainian populace. He explained that "missile terror is part of the Kremlin's strategy aimed at increasing fear, fueling destructive sentiments, and conflicts within Ukraine. In this way, the aggressor is putting pressure on Ukrainian society and trying to undermine our resilience."
The final extent of North Korean military aid to Russia could be determined during an anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. If the KN-30 missiles are supplied, it would signify a further escalation in military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukrainian intelligence has previously cautioned that Russia is increasingly relying on North Korean ballistic missiles to enhance its striking capabilities against Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from UATV English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
