Could the war in Ukraine be entering another dangerous phase?
Ukrainian intelligence believes so, warning that North Korea may soon play a much bigger role on the battlefield.
According to a senior Ukrainian military intelligence official, Russia is preparing to deploy a North Korean missile unit in western Russia.
It could be armed with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers.
If confirmed, it would mark a significant expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Why does this matter? Ballistic missiles are among the toughest weapons to intercept.
Ukraine is already struggling with a shortage of advanced air-defense systems like the US-made Patriot batteries.
Ballistic Missile Threat Grows
Military analyst Rob Lee called the development a serious concern, saying, “Ballistic missile defence is one of Ukraine’s greatest vulnerabilities.”
He warned that a larger missile arsenal could make it even harder for Kyiv to protect its cities and critical infrastructure, especially with winter approaching.
Ukraine says North Korea has already supplied millions of artillery shells, troops, and earlier batches of KN-23 and KN-24 missiles.
The missiles carry larger warheads than Russia’s Iskander missiles but are considered less accurate.
Russia and North Korea have not commented on the claims, and Reuters could not independently verify the intelligence.
If these reports prove accurate, the battlefield may soon have a new player.
It would also be another reminder that modern wars rarely stay confined to just two nations.
