North Korean Missile Unit Deploys to Western Russia

A North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia and could be equipped with 120 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian military intelligence official.

The unit, comprising about 90 personnel, is expected to be based in the Voronezh region within Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade.

Russia has used scores of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine since late 2023. Kyiv says their deployment poses a growing threat because Ukraine has only limited air-defense systems capable of intercepting them.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russia fired two North Korean missiles last week, the first such attacks recorded since August 2025.

Reuters could not independently verify the claims. The Russian Defense Ministry and North Korea’s embassy at the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reuters, mja)