By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, at least 60 North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles, alongside millions of artillery shells, have been deployed by Russia. These missiles, including KN-23/24 types, reportedly exhibit lower accuracy due to outdated technology. Furthermore, thousands of North Korean soldiers have joined the fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast since October, contributing to the ongoing conflict. This military and material support from North Korea is believed to be in exchange for economic aid and assistance to Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Read the original article here
Russia fired at least sixty North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles at Ukraine during the ongoing invasion. This staggering number, reported by a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson, paints a grim picture of the escalating conflict and the increasingly brazen collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The use of these missiles represents a significant escalation, bringing into sharp relief the complex geopolitical alliances at play. It highlights the extent to which Russia is willing to rely on external support to bolster its war effort, even if that means partnering with a regime known for its human rights abuses and unpredictable behavior.
These missiles, while not known for their pinpoint accuracy, still pose a significant threat, especially in densely populated areas. Reports suggest that these less-precise weapons have already caused numerous civilian casualties, adding to the immense human cost of the war.
The confirmation of sixty missiles represents a much larger quantity than initially suspected. Earlier reports indicated a smaller figure of a couple of dozen, but this new information dramatically increases the scale of North Korean involvement in the conflict.
This revelation strengthens concerns about the global implications of the war. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea suggests an increasingly solidified authoritarian alliance, challenging the existing world order and further destabilizing an already tense international environment.
The admission of the missile usage, even if delivered through a military spokesperson, speaks volumes about the increasingly desperate nature of Russia’s strategy. This suggests that their own military resources may be dwindling, forcing them to rely on less reliable, less accurate but still damaging weapons sourced from an increasingly unreliable and unpredictable partner.
The acquisition of these missiles by Russia is further evidence of a broader trend of authoritarian regimes supporting each other in their efforts to undermine democratic principles and global stability. The partnership between Russia and North Korea, while not entirely unexpected, marks a concerning evolution of this trend.
There have been attempts by Russia to deny any involvement with North Korea in this action, however, the sheer number of missiles used points to more than just a negligible amount of foreign aid. The initial denials now appear to be disingenuous, further eroding trust in Russia’s statements on the conflict.
The long-term implications of this military collaboration are alarming. This partnership strengthens the authoritarian axis and creates a chilling precedent for future conflicts. Other authoritarian nations may be emboldened to engage in similar acts of collaboration, potentially leading to more widespread instability and conflict.
The revelation underscores the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and the global ramifications of the ongoing conflict. The scale of North Korean involvement raises serious questions about the international community’s ability to deter such actions and the need for a more robust response to this growing threat.
This situation also highlights the difficulties of assessing and predicting the behavior of authoritarian regimes. The alliance between Russia and North Korea is a testament to the unpredictable nature of international relations, as well as the willingness of some nations to disregard international norms and principles in pursuit of their strategic goals.
Furthermore, the use of these missiles raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of existing international sanctions and measures designed to prevent such collaborations. Clearly, stricter international measures may be required to prevent future occurrences of this nature and deter authoritarian regimes from further undermining global peace and security.
The conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional war; it is a conflict with global implications, and the involvement of North Korea adds another layer of complexity and danger to this already volatile situation. It reinforces the need for a united and decisive international response to counter the growing threat posed by authoritarian alliances. The continued flow of North Korean weapons to Russia demands increased global attention and effective countermeasures. The longer this alliance is allowed to function, the greater the potential for further escalation and instability across the globe.