Overview

• Conflict Armament Research (CAR) confirmed that North Korean ballistic missiles, some manufactured in 2024, have been used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
• This marks the first publicly documented case of North Korea producing and deploying missiles for use in an active conflict within months of production.
• Ukraine's military intelligence reports that at least 60 North Korean ballistic missiles have been launched by Russian forces so far this year.
• Over 10,000 North Korean troops are believed to be deployed in Russia's Kursk region, with reports of significant casualties due to combat inexperience and Ukrainian drone attacks.
• The U.S. and allied nations have expressed alarm over the growing military partnership between Russia and North Korea, warning of broader geopolitical and nuclear implications.