Ukrainian Air Force can’t yet confirm Russia used ballistic missiles from North Korea

Yurii Ihnat. Photo: Ukraines Air Force

Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force, has said that the Air Force could not confirm information about Russia’s use of ballistic missiles purchased from North Korea.

Source: Yurii Ihnat on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Quote: “It is certain that they fired ballistic missiles, but we will find out what kind of ballistic missiles [these were] and who made them. So far, we have no evidence that such missiles were used. 

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The United States has made a statement in this regard. Therefore, experts will examine some of the wreckage, and then we can say whether this is a fact or not. I can’t confirm this yet.”

Details: Ihnat also said that among the weapons that North Korea has, there are many Soviet weapons, and many technologies provided by the Soviet Union: “Maybe even identical. So we should hardly expect anything new. The Iskander [missiles] may be different in some ways, but not too much.”

Background:

• Unnamed US officials commented to US media outlets that Russia plans to purchase short-range ballistic missiles from Iran and is already receiving dozens of ballistic missiles and launchers from North Korea.
• On 4 January, John Kirby said that Russia had already used missiles purchased from North Korea in Ukraine at least twice: on 30 December 2023, a missile hit an open field in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and another on 2 January 2024 (the aftereffects of its use are still being assessed).
• The United States is preparing additional sanctions against those involved in the provision of military assistance to Russia from North Korea and Iran, including ballistic missiles.

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