The White House reports Russia employing North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles in assaults on Ukraine.
Washington accused Russia of engaging in discussions with Iran for the purchase of short-range ballistic missiles. According to US intelligence, Iranian missiles haven’t reached Russia as of now, but an agreement is expected to materialize.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, mentioned on Thursday that Russia had launched a North Korean ballistic missile into Ukraine on December 30, which landed in an open area. Additionally, Kirby stated that Russian forces had deployed further missiles in a significant volley on January 2, with their effects yet to be evaluated.
Partly due to our imposed sanctions and export controls, Russia has faced growing isolation globally, leading them to seek military equipment from aligned nations. “As we’ve been cautioning publicly, one of these nations is North Korea,” stated Kirby during a briefing at the White House, deeming it a “meaningful and worrisome escalation” in Pyongyang’s support for Moscow.
Kirby specified that the North Korean missiles had a range of 900 kilometers (560 miles) and highlighted that, in exchange for these weapons, Russia was anticipated to provide fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, equipment for ballistic missile production, and other advanced technologies.
“This poses significant security risks for the Korean peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region,” he stated.
Kirby also mentioned that Iran had exhibited its short-range ballistic missile capabilities to Russian military visitors, although no such deliveries to Russia had been confirmed yet.
“The United States is apprehensive that Russia’s negotiations for acquiring short-range ballistic missiles from Iran are progressing actively,” he said, concluding, “We anticipate Russia’s intention to procure missile systems from Iran.”
In response, Kirby highlighted the US’s intent to impose sanctions on those facilitating the arms transfer and to bring Russia’s dealings with North Korea regarding weapons to the UN, citing a breach of international arms embargo.
He emphasized that Moscow’s efforts to procure foreign arms should prompt Congress to recognize the repercussions of its inability to approve a Ukraine arms supply package before Christmas.
Russia is depending on its allies to replenish its military resources and support its conflict against Ukraine,” Kirby remarked. “Iran and [North Korea] are aligning with Russia. It’s crucial for Ukrainians to understand that the American people and our government remain in solidarity with them.
Hence, it’s imperative for Congress to respond promptly by furnishing Ukraine with the necessary resources for their defense. The time for Congressional action is immediate.
