Ukraine says North Korea deploys 90-strong missile unit in Russia's Voronezh, Reuters reports
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Ukraine’s military intelligence says North Korea is deploying a missile unit with about 90 troops in Russia’s Voronezh region, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, Reuters reported. The unit could participate in Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to GUR representative Andriy Chernyak. The final size and missile numbers are still to be negotiated at high-level talks next month.
The Reported Unit
GUR representative Andriy Chernyak told Reuters that the North Korean missile unit would consist of about 90 personnel and could receive 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. The unit is to join Russia's 112th Missile Brigade, he said. Pyongyang has also sent an additional 40 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia, according to Chernyak. The final deployment parameters—including the total number of missiles—remain unagreed and are expected to be discussed at high-level negotiations next month. The role of the North Korean personnel in missile operations is still unclear.
Renewed Missile Use and Expert Warnings
Last week, Russia launched two North Korean missiles against Ukraine, the first such strikes since August of last year. Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, described the North Korean resources as a serious threat to Kyiv. He noted that Ukraine's missile defenses are among its most vulnerable points, and any increase in the number of ballistic missiles it faces would compound the challenge. Ukraine has long struggled to intercept advanced ballistic systems, and the integration of North Korean launchers and missiles could significantly alter the threat landscape.
What's Next
High-level negotiations are set for next month to finalize the deployment parameters. It remains unclear whether the talks will result in a larger missile presence or alter the unit's role in strikes against Ukraine.
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Ukraine says North Korea deploys 90-strong missile unit in Russia's Voronezh, Reuters reports
