Russia launches North Korea-acquired rockets on Ukraine, eyes Iranian missiles next: US
9:11 AM EST, January 5, 2024
During a briefing at the White House on Thursday, John Kirby informed attendees that Russia had received "several" rockets and launchers from North Korea with a range of approximately 560 miles.
During a briefing at the White House on Thursday, John Kirby informed attendees that Russia had received "several" rockets and launchers from North Korea with a range of approximately 560 miles.
Kirby's report indicates that Russian forces used at least one of these rockets on December 30, which landed in a vacant field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia deployed additional missiles on January 2, although the impact of this assault is still under evaluation. Kirby emphasized that the White House anticipates Russia will conduct more attacks using North Korean weapons.
Will Iran assist Russia? Insights from the White House
Kirby further noted that Russia is in the process of acquiring short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. Although they haven't obtained them yet, negotiations are underway.
Kirby mentioned that the USA will ask the UN Security Council to hold Russia responsible for numerous Council resolution violations concerning North Korea. They also plan to impose additional sanctions on individuals and entities involved in these transactions and release more information on the matter.
Nonetheless, he believes that further US support for Ukraine, including providing air defense, is the most effective response to these events. For this to happen, approval for another round of funding from Congress is required.
When questioned about reports indicating Russia had managed to increase its missile production, despite Western sanctions and without importing weaponry from North Korea and Iran, Kirby replied that the White House believes the country wasn't entirely prosperous in evading sanctions and therefore relies on the assistance of friendly regimes.
