Reports Claim North Korea Has Deployed Personnel and Ballistic Missiles to Support Russia’s War in Ukraine
Reports circulating from unofficial sources claim that North Korea has deployed 90 personnel and supplied 120 KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in support of Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine.
According to the reports, the missiles are KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missile systems, which are believed to be capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads, although there is no indication that any nuclear warheads have been transferred. The missiles have previously been assessed by defense analysts as having the technical capability to carry a nuclear payload if equipped to do so.
If confirmed, the reported deployment would represent a further deepening of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, which has expanded significantly in recent years through defense agreements and growing strategic ties.
Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed the reported deployment. Independent verification of the claims has not been possible, and the reported figures 90 personnel and 120 missiles remain unverified.
Western governments and intelligence agencies have previously accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery shells, rockets, and ballistic missiles for use in the war against Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied violating United Nations sanctions, while describing their defense cooperation as lawful.
The KN-23 and KN-24 are North Korea’s most advanced short-range ballistic missiles and are designed to maneuver during flight, making them more difficult for air defense systems to intercept. Their reported use in Ukraine has raised concerns among Western officials about the growing military partnership between Russia and North Korea and its potential impact on the conflict.