North Korean missile unit reportedly deploys to Russia for Ukraine war

Ukraine's military intelligence claims that a North Korean missile unit has started deploying to western Russia, marking what could become a major

Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that a North Korean missile unit has started deploying to western Russia, marking what could become a major expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Ukrainian officials, the unit may eventually be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in attacks against Ukraine.

Andrii Cherniak, an official with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, said around 90 North Korean personnel are expected to be stationed in Russia’s Voronezh region as part of the Russian military’s 112th Missile Brigade. He added that discussions between senior Russian and North Korean officials next month are expected to determine the final deployment plan and missile numbers.

Ukraine says North Korea has already delivered another batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with military personnel. These missiles reportedly have a longer range and larger payload than Russia’s Iskander missiles, although Ukrainian military sources believe they are less accurate and have caused significant civilian casualties during previous strikes.

The reported deployment comes as Russia has resumed using North Korean-made ballistic missiles after nearly a year. Ukrainian authorities say two such missiles were launched last week, including one that struck the village of Radushne in central Ukraine, reportedly killing at least five members of the same family.

Ukraine remains heavily dependent on advanced air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot batteries, to intercept ballistic missiles. Military analysts warn that an increase in North Korean missile supplies would place additional pressure on Ukraine’s already stretched air defence network, especially ahead of the winter months when Russia has previously targeted the country’s energy infrastructure.

Cherniak said intelligence suggests Russia intends to integrate North Korean missile forces into its operations, although the exact role of North Korean personnel has not yet been confirmed. He also stated that about 9,500 North Korean troops remain in Russia’s Kursk region, though they are not currently taking part in direct combat operations against Ukraine.

Russia and North Korea have strengthened military ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024, while Kyiv accuses Pyongyang of supplying millions of artillery shells, ballistic missiles and thousands of troops to support Russia’s war effort.