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The White House announced on Thursday that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers, marking a substantial escalation in support for Moscow in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed the media at the White House, detailing the troubling development. The missiles provided by Pyongyang to Russia, with a range of approximately 900 kilometers (550 miles), were utilized in recent attacks on Ukraine. This disclosure heightens apprehensions about the extent of North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
Kirby emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles. This is a significant and concerning escalation of the DPRK's support for Russia."
In addition to the North Korean assistance, the White House disclosed that Russia is actively seeking missile supplies from its ally, Iran. This move comes as Moscow faces shortages in weaponry almost two years into President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
The revelation of North Korea's involvement not only adds a new dimension to the geopolitical landscape but also underscores the complexity and global ramifications of the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, as concerns grow over the widening scope of support for Russia and the implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
