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Russia improving North Korean missiles and sharing drone tech, Ukraine says

North Korean ballistic missiles have once again made headlines this week, as they have been raining down over Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, stating that the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang poses an “extremely dangerous” threat to both Europe and Asia.

Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of addressing the evolving warfare technologies being utilized in the conflict, expressing concerns that upgraded Shahed drones and ballistic missiles could soon pose a threat to cities like Seoul and Tokyo if action is not taken swiftly.

The latest developments come on the heels of revelations made by Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, who confirmed that Russia has significantly enhanced North Korea’s KN-23 ballistic missiles. This advancement has reportedly led to an increase in the accuracy of missile strikes on Ukrainian targets.

The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, composed of several key U.N. member countries, recently disclosed that North Korea supplied Russia with troops and a substantial amount of weaponry, including ballistic missiles. This partnership has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials, who suspect a knowledge exchange between Moscow and Pyongyang in the realms of drone technology and missile development.

Budanov highlighted the potential dangers of North Korea’s newfound expertise in drone warfare and ballistic missile technology, particularly in the context of the country’s nuclear capabilities. He suggested that Russia may be providing assistance to North Korea in improving the carriers and firing mechanisms of these missiles.

The mutual defense pact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signed in June 2024, appears to have facilitated this collaboration and knowledge transfer. The integration of Russian-Iranian drone technologies into North Korea’s military arsenal further complicates the regional military balance, particularly in the context of tensions between North and South Korea.

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As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the implications of North Korea’s enhanced military capabilities are cause for concern. The potential for ballistic missiles to carry nuclear payloads raises the stakes in the already volatile situation. The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the growing threat posed by the Moscow-Pyongyang alliance.

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