Ukraine Says North Korean Missile Unit Preparing for Deployment to Western Russia

Ukraine’s military intelligence says North Korea is preparing to deploy a missile unit to western Russia, where it could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for possible operations against Ukraine.

intelligence official Andrii Cherniak said the unit of about 90 North Korean personnel is expected to be stationed in Russia’s Voronezh region alongside the 112th Missile Brigade. He said the final deployment plan is expected to be confirmed during high level talks next month.

Cherniak said North Korea has already delivered 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles to Russia. The missiles have a longer range and larger payload than Russia’s Iskander missiles but are considered less accurate. Ukrainian officials say they have been linked to attacks causing significant civilian casualties.

Ukraine believes the deployment would expand military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which have strengthened ties since signing a mutual defence pact in 2024. North Korea has already supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and thousands of troops, many of whom were deployed in Russia’s Kursk region.

Ukrainian officials warn that additional ballistic missiles could further strain the country’s limited air defence systems, particularly ahead of winter when Russia has previously targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russia’s Defence Ministry and North Korea’s representatives did not immediately comment on the claims.