In a report published on October 17, the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission of Ukraine (NAKO) stated that at least nine Western manufacturers were involved in the components of the North Korean KN-23/24 rocket launched by Russia against Ukraine in September.
The North Korean missile that was shot near the villages of Myrne Bilyky and Poltava Oblast contained microelectronics manufactured by companies in the U.S.A., Switzerland, U.K. and the Netherlands.
Moscow and Pyongyang are stepping up their military cooperation, as Russia looks for weapons and other support to help it in its full-scale conflict against Ukraine. North Korea has been supplying Russia ballistic missiles as well as vast quantities of artillery rounds.
According to the analysis some of the components found inside the KN-23/24 were produced between 2021-2023. NAKO reported that the majority of microelectronic parts have the markings from American companies such as Analog Devices Inc.
Since the beginning of Moscow’s full scale invasion, the non-governmental organization has reportedly examined more than 2,500 components found within 30 pieces of Russian weaponry and equipment. NAKO reported that 2,000 aircraft parts were primarily supplied by the West.
Russia has adapted to Western sanctions by using smuggling, various schemes and other means to acquire sanctioned goods.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian president, said that Moscow intends to “actually engage” Pyongyang (North Korea) in the war against Ukraine within the next few months. Around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared to join Russia’s army.
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