North Korea deploys missile unit to Russia for potential use against Ukraine, says Ukraine intelligence

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) alleges that North Korea has started deploying a missile unit to western Russia, which could be used in attacks against Ukraine. According to the GUR, Moscow anticipates receiving 120 North Korean ballistic missiles and six launchers, with a unit of approximately 90 North Korean soldiers to be stationed in Russia's Voronezh region, as part of the Russian army's 112th Missile Brigade.

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Moscow expects to receive 120 North Korean ballistic missiles and six launchers.

Andrii Cerniak, a GUR representative cited by Reuters, stated that the exact number of missiles and deployment details will be determined through high-level negotiations between Moscow and Pyongyang scheduled for next month. Cerniak also claimed that Pyongyang has already delivered a new batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles to Russia, along with military personnel. The specific roles of these North Korean soldiers in Russian missile operations remain unclear.

Reuters reported that Russia allegedly used two North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine last week, the first such use since August 2025. Cerniak claimed one of these missiles destroyed a house in the village of Radushne, near Krivoi Rog, killing at least five members of the same family. Reuters noted it could not independently verify these claims. Neither the Russian Ministry of Defense nor North Korea's UN mission responded to requests for comment.

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The unit, consisting of approximately 90 North Korean soldiers, is to be deployed in the Voronezh region as part of the Russian army's 112th Missile Brigade.

Meanwhile, NK News analysts reported that North Korean authorities have covered a new building at the "February 11" plant in Hamhung, where Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles destined for Russia are manufactured, with a layer of soil. Experts suggest this measure might be to protect the facility from potential airstrikes. Satellite imagery also indicates that work on another production complex at the same plant has stalled for months. In July, Russia and North Korea were reportedly finalizing the construction of the first road bridge over the Tumen River, connecting Russia's Khasan with North Korea's Tumangang. An investigation by Truth Hounds suggests this new link could be used for transporting military personnel, weapons, and equipment for the war in Ukraine, in addition to commercial transport.

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Russia used two North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine last week for the first time since August 2025.