North Korea has demonstrated the ability to manufacture ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use in Ukraine within a matter of months, according to Jonah Leff, head of Conflict Armament Research (CAR). Speaking to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, Leff highlighted evidence from missile remnants recovered in Ukraine.
Researchers on the ground examined remnants of four North Korean missiles found in July and August 2024. One missile bore markings indicating it was produced earlier in 2024. “This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years,” Leff stated.
CAR, a U.K.-based organization established in 2011 to trace weapons used in conflicts, has been documenting weapon flows in Ukraine since 2018. In June, Leff briefed the Security Council, stating CAR had “irrefutably” identified ballistic missile remnants in Ukraine as originating from North Korea.
This revelation follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s vow in late November to “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine, as reported by North Korea’s state media. The collaboration between North Korea and Russia raises significant concerns over arms proliferation and sanctions violations.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia objected to Leff’s testimony, accusing him of representing NATO and the European Union and questioning the impartiality of CAR’s findings. Nebenzia also criticized U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for allowing Leff’s appearance, calling the session “a politicized act of buffoonery.”
Thomas-Greenfield responded by highlighting Russia’s veto of a resolution that would have extended U.N. sanctions monitoring on North Korea. She argued that independent organizations like CAR are essential to uncovering violations. “Russia and North Korea are engaging in unlawful arms transfers and training, in brazen violation of numerous council resolutions,” she said.
Leff defended his organization’s research, emphasizing three key findings. First, North Korean ballistic missiles produced recently are being used in Ukraine. Second, the short timeframe between missile production, transfer, and deployment indicates a swift and efficient supply chain. Third, the discovery of missile components with 2023 manufacturing marks from outside North Korea underscores Pyongyang’s ability to acquire prohibited materials despite international sanctions.
These developments illustrate the growing threat of North Korean arms proliferation and highlight the urgency for coordinated international action to enforce sanctions and prevent further violations.
