US Says Russia Used North Korean Missiles in Ukraine

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.¹
• 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.'¹
• 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.¹
• 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.²
• 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.³
• 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.'¹

Sources: ¹The White House, ²CBS and ³Associated Press.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The White House. 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.
• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. 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.

Predictions