North Korea has shown that it can quickly produce ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Jonah Leff, the head of a research organization that studies weapons in warfare. Speaking to the U.N. Security Council, Leff highlighted that researchers found pieces of four North Korean missiles in Ukraine last July and August, with one missile bearing a production mark indicating it was made in 2024.
“This marks the first public evidence that North Korean missiles were manufactured and delivered to Ukraine in less than a year,” Leff noted. He previously informed the Security Council in late June about his organization, Conflict Armament Research, confirming that missile remnants found earlier this year in Ukraine were made in North Korea.
Founded in 2011, the U.K.-based organization specializes in documenting and tracing weapon use in conflicts, assisting governments in fighting arms diversion and proliferation, and has been active in Ukraine since 2018.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated his unwavering support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine during a recent meeting with Russia’s defense chief, as reported by the North’s official media.
At the U.N. meeting, Russia’s ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed discontent with Leff’s continuation to present evidence, suggesting that he represents NATO interests and questioning the impartiality of his assessments. He also accused the U.S. ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, of turning the Security Council into a “politicized act.”
In response, the U.S. ambassador noted Russia’s previous vetoes against resolutions aimed at monitoring sanctions on North Korea, stressing the growing importance of independent organizations like Conflict Armament Research. She argued that these reports highlight unlawful arms transfers between Russia and North Korea, defying multiple U.N. council resolutions.
Leff defended his team’s findings, emphasizing three key points concerning North Korea’s missile activities: the ongoing use of newly manufactured North Korean missiles in Ukraine, the short timeframe between their production and deployment, and a network that allows North Korea to acquire missile components despite U.N. sanctions.
North Korea’s U.N. Ambassador Kim Song pushed back against criticisms, asserting that their ties with Russia contribute positively to international peace and security. He accused the U.S. and its allies of stirring up global tensions by providing extensive military support to Ukraine, including advanced weaponry.
