US Says Russia Used North Korean Missiles in Ukraine

Published JAN 5 2024

Story

Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

The White House, citing newly declassified intelligence, assessed that Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles, as well as missile launchers, in recent attacks on Ukraine.
The White House
John Kirby, the administration's National Security Council spokesman, told reporters at a briefing Thursday that the US concluded that the North Korean weapons were used on at least two occasions. He said at least one missile was used in Russian attacks on Dec. 30, suggesting, "This missile appears to have landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region."
The White House
Kirby added that multiple North Korean missiles were used in Russia's attack on Jan. 2. "We’re still assessing the impacts of these additional missiles," he said.
The White House
The comments come after US officials, including Kirby, warned in September that Russia was "actively advancing" arms negotiations with North Korea. At the time, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin was due to meet counterpart Kim Jong Un a few days later.
CBS News
Shortly following the meeting, South Korea's main spy agency, the National Intelligence Service, briefed the country's lawmakers, asserting that more than 1M North Korean artillery shells had been sent to Russia. The shipments started in August and took place through transport planes and ships.
ap
In Thursday's briefing, Kirby also told reporters that the US had assessed Russia was seeking to obtain missiles from Iran. "At this time, we do not believe that Iran has delivered close-range ballistic missiles to Russia," he said. "However, the US is concerned that Russian negotiations to acquire close-range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively advancing."
The White House

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Due to US sanctions and export controls, and because of Russia's isolation on the world stage, the Kremlin is increasingly having to rely on like-minded, despotic regimes to continue waging its illegal war in Ukraine. These developments are just the latest in the trend.

The White House

Pro-Russia narrative

While the US continues to pump Ukraine with weapons and continues the bloodshed, it wants to criticize Russia for having longstanding partnerships with its neighbors, including North Korea. These relationships are in full compliance with international law.

TASS