U.S. Calls UN Security Council Meeting over Russia's Use of DPRK Missiles in Attacks on Ukraine

The supply of ballistic missiles by North Korea (DPRK) to Russia and their subsequent use by Russia against Ukraine will be discussed at the UN Security Council on January 10. This statement was made by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

"The United States has new information about weapons that Russia receives from third countries to support its goal of destroying Ukraine and subjugating its people. According to our information, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) recently transferred ballistic missile launchers and several dozen ballistic missiles to Russia. On December 30, 2023, Russian forces launched at least one of these DPRK ballistic missiles at Ukraine. On January 2, Russian forces launched several DPRK ballistic missiles at Ukraine, including during their nighttime aerial attack. We expect Russia to use additional missiles from the DPRK to destroy more of Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and kill Ukrainian civilians," the ambassador said in her statement.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN added that the United States will continue to work with allies and partners to identify, expose, and counter Russian government attempts to acquire military equipment from the DPRK or any state willing to support the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.

"We will raise this issue at the Security Council briefing on Ukraine on January 10. And we will continue to strengthen cooperation to address issues of weapons of mass destruction and DPRK ballistic missiles," emphasized Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

The United States finds the behavior of the Russian Federation unacceptable: neglecting its duties as a member of the UN Security Council and a UN member state, supporting regimes involved in the proliferation of weapons, ballistic missiles, and related materials.

North Korea seeks to enhance its nuclear weapon delivery systems, having conducted over 30 launches using ballistic missile technology in 2023—violating numerous UN Security Council resolutions.

Additionally, North Korea is seeking military assistance from Russia in exchange for its support. These events mark a significant and alarming escalation in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The United States expresses concern about the security consequences of this cooperation for global peace and security.

Both North Korea and Russia openly violate the United Nations embargo on the supply of weapons to North Korea, prohibiting all UN member states from purchasing weapons or related materials from North Korea and preventing North Korea from exporting weapons or related materials.

Recall that on December 29, the Russian-occupied army launched about 110 rockets at many cities in Ukraine, hitting a maternity hospital, educational institutions, a shopping center, residential buildings, a commercial warehouse, and a parking lot. Cities affected by the missile strike included Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and others, resulting in numerous injuries and casualties.

Subsequently, on January 1, on New Year's Eve, Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine with 90 Russian drones, also causing extensive casualties and destruction.

On the night of January 2, another series of Russian missile strikes occurred against Ukraine, including attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv. Once again, there were mass casualties and destruction. Poland scrambled F-16 fighter jets in response to Russia's missile terror against Ukraine.