President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang poses a significant threat to both Europe and Asia, following recent reports of North Korean ballistic missiles being used by Russia in the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy stated that the longer the war continues and warfare technologies advance, the greater the danger becomes, urging immediate action to prevent the proliferation of advanced weaponry that could threaten Seoul and Tokyo.
This warning follows confirmation from Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov that Russia has significantly improved North Korea’s KN-23 ballistic missiles.
Earlier in the year, a U.N. monitoring team, including the U.S. and other nations, reported that North Korea had supplied Russia with manpower, millions of artillery rounds, various weapons systems, and at least 100 ballistic missiles last year.
In May 2024, Ukrainian authorities indicated that a significant number of missiles fired by Russia were failing to reach their targets due to malfunctions and mid-air explosions.
However, Budanov reported on Monday that the missiles are now striking Ukrainian targets with greater accuracy, an improvement seemingly resulting from a meeting between Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024.
Ukrainian officials are raising concerns about a concerning exchange where North Korea provides troops and supplies in exchange for Russian technical expertise, including knowledge gained from Iranian drone manufacturing.
Zelenskyy highlighted the alarming possibility of Russian-Iranian drone technologies spreading to North Korea, posing a danger to both Europe and East and Southeast Asia.
Budanov also mentioned that Pyongyang has agreed to manufacture drones in North Korea, utilizing advancements in drone warfare acquired by Moscow through Iran and its supply of Shahed drones.
Budanov cautioned that this development will likely alter the military balance between North and South Korea.
The enhanced capabilities in drone development and ballistic missiles could have dire implications, especially considering North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
Budanov emphasized that ballistic missiles can carry nuclear warheads.
When questioned about Russian assistance to North Korea’s nuclear program, Budanov indicated that Russia is helping them with the carriers of these missiles and the firing from their sea component, where they had significant problems.
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