'Concerning escalation': Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine

The White House said Thursday it had evidence that Russia has used North Korean ballistic missiles in its war against Ukraine − and believes the former Soviet country intends to purchase missile systems from Iran.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby noted that as Russia has become increasingly isolated on the world stage resulting from U.S. sanctions and export restrictions, they've looked to "like-minded states" for military equipment.

"Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles," said Kirby.

On Dec. 30, Russian forces launched at least one of these North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, Kirby said. The missile appears to have landed in an open field. On Jan. 2, Russia launched multiple North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, including as part of its overnight aerial attack.
 

"We expect Russia and North Korea to learn from these launches, and we anticipate that Russia will use additional North Korean missiles to target Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and to kill innocent Ukrainian civilians," he said.

According to the NSC spokesperson, these North Korean ballistic missiles are capable of ranges of approximately 550 miles.

Kirby called the development a "significant and concerning escalation" of North Korea's support for Russia.

In return for its support, White House believes North Korea is seeking military assistance from Russia, including fighter aircraft, surface to air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies, said Kirby.

"This would've concerning security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Kirby said the United States is concerned that Russian negotiations to acquire close range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively advancing.

In mid-December, the Iran Revolutionary Guard Aerospace Force deployed multiple ballistic missile and missile support systems to a training area inside Iran for display to a visiting Russian delegation, said Kirby.

In response to Russia's activities with Iran and North Korea, the U.S. is taking a range of steps with its allies and partners.

"First, Russia's procurement of ballistic missiles from the DPRK directly violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions. We will raise these arms deals at the UN Security Council alongside our allies and partners, and we will demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligation," said Kirby.

"Second, we will impose additional sanctions against those working to facilitate arms transfers between Russia and the DPRK and between Russia and Iran. Third, we'll continue to release information to the public and expose these arms deals as we are doing today, because we will not allow countries to aid Russia's war machine in seeker," he continued.

The most effective response to Russia's horrific violence against the Ukrainian people is to continue to provide Ukraine with vital air defense capabilities and other types of military equipment, said Kirby, as he appealed the Congress to take action.

"To do that, we need Congress to approve our supplemental funding request for Ukraine without delay," he said.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY.  You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal