North Korean Missile Unit Deployed to Support Russia, Kyiv Says

By Aurax Radio | August 6, 2026 | 2 min read

Ukrainian military intelligence says North Korea has begun deploying a ballistic missile unit to western Russia, marking another step in the expanding military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. The reported deployment comes as Ukraine warns that declining air defense supplies are making it increasingly difficult to counter ballistic missile attacks.

Ukrainian air defense crew operating missile defense equipment during the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian air defense forces respond to incoming aerial threats as officials warn of growing pressure from ballistic missile attacks.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency said Wednesday that North Korea has started deploying a ballistic missile unit to western Russia to support Moscow's war against Ukraine, in what officials described as an expansion of military cooperation between the two countries. Ukrainian authorities said the unit is expected to operate with Russia's 112th Missile Brigade in the Voronezh region and could eventually include about 90 North Korean personnel, six missile launchers and up to 120 KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles. Russia and North Korea had not publicly commented on the claims.

According to Ukrainian officials, Pyongyang has already supplied Russia with additional ballistic missiles and personnel, while discussions on the final size of the deployment are continuing. Ukraine says Russia has resumed using North Korean-made ballistic missiles in recent attacks after previously employing similar weapons during the conflict. Military analysts note that ballistic missiles are more difficult to intercept than many other aerial threats, increasing pressure on Ukraine's air defense network at a time when Kyiv says deliveries of interceptor missiles from its partners have fallen sharply compared with last year.

Russia and North Korea have steadily strengthened defense ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in 2024. Moscow acknowledged in 2025 that North Korean troops had participated in operations in Russia's Kursk region, while Ukraine and several Western governments have accused Pyongyang of supplying missiles, artillery ammunition and other military equipment in violation of international sanctions. Ukrainian officials argue that the latest reported deployment could increase Russia's ability to conduct sustained ballistic missile strikes as the conflict enters another year, while also providing North Korea with additional operational experience for its weapons systems.

Sources: Information from Reuters, Ukrainska Pravda and the Kyiv Independent.

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