A report indicates that a Russian missile was discovered bearing a Korean character, indicating a potential North Korean origin

 

A United Kingdom-based investigative group, Conflict Armament Research, has released a report identifying Russian missile components discovered following an attack on Ukraine

According to the report, a piece of wreckage from the ballistic projectile was hand-marked with a Korean character, indicating possible origin or ownership. The specific character observed on the missile wreckage was identified as 'ㅈ' in the Korean (Hangul) script, as documented by CAR investigators on a barometer in Ukraine on January 11, 2024.

The significance of the symbol in connection to the missile component remained unclear at first. Nevertheless, the presence of a Korean character raises suspicions of collaboration between Russia and North Korea — the latter is believed to be involved in the production of ballistic missiles for the invasion of Ukraine. "CAR investigators did not observe any Hangul characters on other components," stated the organization.

Official statements from the United States and South Korea allege that North Korea is supplying weaponry, including artillery and missiles, to Russia to help replenish its depleted supplies due to the conflict in Ukraine. In return, North Korea purportedly gains access to technological and military knowledge.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed speculation regarding a Russian-North Korean ballistics deal during a recent White House press conference. Kirby informed reporters that their information suggests the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently supplied Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles. These details come in the wake of the Russian army's missile attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which resulted in injuries and fatalities, with experts pointing to North Korea as the possible source of these missiles.

Koo Byoungsam, a representative of South Korea’s Unification Ministry, mentioned that the ministry is closely monitoring diplomatic visits between the two countries and any potential agreements or shifts in relations.

The representative accused North Korea and Russia of "maintaining illegal cooperation activities, including arms exchanges" following Kim’s visit to Russia in September, when he met with Putin.