The White House Unveils Evidence of Russia Deploying North Korean Missiles in Ukraine Conflict; Warns of Potential Iran Deal
In a significant revelation, the White House, through National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, disclosed compelling evidence indicating Russia’s utilization of North Korean ballistic missiles in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This revelation, made on Thursday, was accompanied by grave warnings regarding Russia’s potential acquisition of missile systems from Iran, exacerbating tensions in the already volatile region.
Kirby expressed concerns, stating that Russia, facing increased global isolation due to stringent U.S. sanctions and export restrictions, had sought military resources from “like-minded states.” “Our information indicates that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently supplied Russia with ballistic missile launchers and multiple ballistic missiles,” remarked Kirby during the briefing.
Detailing the attacks, Kirby confirmed that Russian forces had launched North Korean missiles into Ukraine on both December 30 and January 2, targeting the nation’s territories. He underscored the missiles’ operational range, estimated to be around 550 miles, and labeled these developments as a “significant and concerning escalation” in North Korea’s support for Russia.
Kirby further revealed North Korea’s quest to procure military aid from Russia, encompassing sophisticated weaponry and advanced technologies, highlighting potential security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Notably, he cautioned about ongoing negotiations between Russia and Iran for the procurement of close-range ballistic missiles, signaling heightened tensions.
In response to these developments, the U.S. administration plans to take decisive actions in collaboration with its allies. These actions include raising concerns at the U.N. Security Council, imposing additional sanctions against facilitators of arms transfers between Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and ensuring transparency by publicly exposing these dealings.
Kirby emphasized the urgency for Congress to approve supplemental funding swiftly to provide essential military assistance to Ukraine in countering Russia’s aggressive actions.
This news update underscores escalating concerns over Russia’s use of foreign weaponry in the conflict and the potential ramifications of arms deals with Iran and North Korea, prompting urgent international responses to safeguard regional stability.
