Russia seeks new KN-30 ballistic missiles and launchers from North Korea – Ukrainian intelligence

Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is seeking new military support from North Korea, including advanced KN-30 ballistic missiles and launchers, according to Andrii Cherniak of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence. This request comes as Moscow seeks additional aid ahead of the fall and winter, though it is unclear how these forces or systems would be utilized.

KN-30 missiles are significantly more powerful than previous models, but Ukrainian intelligence has not yet recorded any transfers of these missiles to Russia. Presently, Russia has reportedly received 40 KN-23/24 missiles as part of a larger package, with two already deployed in strikes against Ukraine. Cherniak emphasized that missile attacks on Ukraine are part of Russia's broader strategy, aiming to intimidate the Ukrainian people, fuel destruction within the country, and undermine Ukrainian resilience.

In July, a North Korean ballistic missile killed members of the Voronov family in Radushne, near Kryvyi Rih, missing its intended target by approximately 15 kilometers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Russia planned to station between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops on its soil, with the number initially ranging from hundreds to thousands before being increased to 30,000-50,000.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that these North Korean troops would observe modern warfare tactics on Russian territory. On August 10, Zelenskyy announced that Russia had received further ballistic missiles from North Korea and was preparing to deploy another contingent of North Korean military personnel on its territory. Ukrainian intelligence highlights that North Korea has currently augmented its military presence in Russia with an additional 8,500 personnel, including drone operators capable of targeting sites within Ukraine.