Russia used North Korean missiles in addition to three known occasions
“Kim Jong-un can benefit from North Korea’s pursuit of advanced military capabilities.”
“Watching changes in North Korea’s military posture… confident in the defense posture of the Korean Peninsula”
The U.S. White House announced on the 23rd (local time) that Russia had additionally used North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine and that it was watching with concern the deepening of relations between the two countries.
John Commey, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), answered “yes” when asked at a briefing today whether he believed Russia had used additional North Korean missiles against Ukraine.
The White House previously announced that Russia received ballistic missiles and launchers from North Korea and used them in the Ukraine war on the 30th of last month and the 2nd and 6th of last month.
Coordinator Kirby explained that even after the United States disclosed this fact, Russia continued to use North Korean missiles in the battlefield against Ukraine. It was not specifically mentioned at what point and in what area the North Korean weapons were used.
Coordinator Kirby said, “What we are concerned about is that North Korea-Russia relations are deepening,” and added, “President Vladimir Putin is not only receiving ballistic missiles (from North Korea) and using them against Ukraine, but he is also receiving benefits by receiving artillery shells and using them.”
At the same time, he said, “North Korea is pursuing advanced military capabilities, so we are keeping a close eye on this. We are concerned that not only President Putin but also Chairman Kim Jong-un could benefit from this relationship, and it could have implications for peace and security in the region.” “It’s amazing,” he emphasized.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Russia in the middle of this month and met President Putin in person, and President Putin reportedly expressed his intention to visit North Korea in person as soon as possible. As close ties between North Korea and Russia deepen, concerns are deepening that North Korea’s security threat will further escalate.
While Chairman Kim continues to make provocative remarks toward South Korea, the White House is also watching whether there will actually be a change in North Korea’s military posture.
In response to a related question, Coordinator Kirby said, “We will be careful about evaluating information,” but added, “We are keeping a close eye on this.”
He continued, “I would like to say that I am confident that the defense posture maintained on the Korean Peninsula is appropriate for the risk.”
[워싱턴=뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.