**Russia‘s Secret Missile Deal with North Korea: A Game-Changer in the Ukraine Conflict?**
The war in Ukraine has taken a new turn, as Russia has begun striking targets with “deadly accuracy” using improved North Korean ballistic missiles. According to Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukrainian military intelligence, Moscow has received a much-needed source of short-range missiles from Pyongyang.
Initially, the first batch of missiles from North Korea proved to be extremely poor quality. About half of them deviated from their trajectory and exploded in mid-air. However, after working with Russian specialists, these missiles have become more accurate, hitting targets with precision. This is a result of joint efforts by both countries, and it’s clear that Russia is providing technology to North Korea in exchange for military supplies.
**A Strategic Partnership?**
The intelligence chief noted that agreements exist between Russia and North Korea to establish production facilities on the latter’s territory for manufacturing drones like “Harpy” and Shahed-136. This move could potentially change the regional military balance between North and South Korea. In addition, North Korea is supplying Russia with various weapons systems, including 122mm D-74 guns, MLRS, and self-propelled artillery.
One of these systems, the 170mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery, has performed well in combat, firing from a considerable distance with high accuracy. According to intelligence data, Pyongyang has transferred 120 such systems to Russia, and Budanov believes that more supplies are on their way.
**Implications for the Conflict**
The use of these advanced missiles by Russia could be a game-changer in the Ukraine conflict. With increased precision and firepower, Moscow may become even more aggressive in its military campaign. The fact that North Korea is providing these systems to Russia in exchange for technology suggests that both countries are seeking to strengthen their ties and create new strategic partnerships.
The implications of this deal go beyond the conflict itself, potentially destabilizing the region. A stronger Russia could have far-reaching consequences for European security, while a more powerful North Korea might embolden its nuclear ambitions. The situation requires close monitoring, as it has the potential to set off a chain reaction of events that could reshape the global balance of power.
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