Ukraine: North Korea Preparing to Deploy Missile Unit to Russia

Recently, Ukrainian intelligence agencies reported that North Korea is preparing to deploy a missile unit to western Russia. Andriy Cherniak, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate, stated on the 5th (Wednesday) that Russia plans to deploy a "North Korean missile unit consisting of 90 people" in Voronezh, western Russia, which will be operationally subordinate to the 112th Guards Missile Brigade.

Cherniak said that North Korea has already provided Russia with a new batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 (i.e., 'Hwasong-11A' and 'Hwasong-11B') missiles and dispatched relevant personnel. However, the specific deployment method and quantity of these missiles will be decided at a high-level meeting next month.

He said that the final scale of this deployment is expected to reach 120 North Korean missiles and 6 launchers.

According to Reuters, a source said, "The United States is aware of North Korea's deployment activities," but refused to provide details of the specific situation. The Central Intelligence Agency and the White House also did not respond to requests for comment.

Cherniak said that the source of the above information is "sensitive intelligence sources that cannot be disclosed for confidentiality reasons." Currently, the relevant statements of Ukrainian intelligence agencies have not been verified through other channels.

The American military media 'The War Zone' pointed out on the same day that if this information is confirmed, it means that cooperation between North Korea and Russia will further deepen. In addition to conventional ammunition, a small number of ballistic missiles, and combat personnel, North Korea may also provide other support to Russia.