North Korean ballistic missiles fired by Russian forces at Ukraine since late December have shown a marked improvement in accuracy compared to previous attacks, two senior Ukrainian sources told reporters.
Amid growing concerns over Moscow’s deepening ties with Pyongyang, the increased precision—hitting within 50 to 100 metres of intended targets—suggests that North Korea is using the conflict as a testing ground for its missile technology, the sources said.
A senior military source, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, described a notable improvement in the accuracy of all 20-plus North Korean ballistic missiles that have struck Ukraine in recent weeks. A second source, a senior government official, confirmed these findings.
Yang Uk, a weapons expert at Seoul’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies, warned that such advancements could significantly threaten South Korea, Japan, and the US, while also increasing the risk of North Korea selling upgraded missiles to unstable states or armed groups.
“That can have a major impact on stability in the region and the world,” he said.
North Korea’s missile programme has advanced rapidly in recent years, including the development of short- and intermediate-range missiles that Pyongyang claims can carry nuclear warheads.
However, its involvement in Ukraine marks the first time the country has tested its newer missile systems in actual combat.
Ukraine’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Ukraine typically does not disclose details of Russian missile and drone strikes on military targets. The defence ministries of Russia and South Korea, along with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, also did not respond to inquiries.
North Korea’s embassy in London did not answer calls or respond to voicemails, while its mission at the UN also remained silent. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation during a September meeting in Russia’s Far East.
The US Pentagon and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the matter.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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