According to statements from the White House. The U.S. government further asserted that Russia is engaged in discussions with Iran regarding the acquisition of short-range ballistic missiles. While U.S. intelligence indicates that Iranian missiles have not yet been delivered to Russia, it is believed that the deal will be finalized in the future.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, disclosed that a North Korean ballistic missile was launched by Russia into Ukraine on December 30, landing in an uninhabited area. Kirby stated that additional missiles were fired by Russian forces on January 2 as part of a larger salvo, with the impact yet to be evaluated.
Attributing Russia's reliance on North Korean weaponry to international isolation resulting from sanctions and export controls, Kirby emphasized the significance of Pyongyang's escalating support for Moscow. The range of the North Korean missiles was noted to be 900 kilometers (560 miles). In exchange for these weapons, Russia is expected to provide fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment, and other advanced technologies.
Kirby expressed concern over the potential security implications for the Korean peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. He also reported that Iran had showcased its close-range ballistic missile capabilities to Russian military officials, although no deliveries to Russia had been confirmed. The U.S. anticipates that Russia is actively pursuing the acquisition of missile systems from Iran.
In response to these developments, Kirby announced that the U.S. would impose sanctions on individuals involved in facilitating the arms transfer. Additionally, the U.S. plans to bring the issue of Russia's weapons trade with North Korea before the United Nations, citing it as a violation of the international arms embargo. Kirby urged Congress to act swiftly, emphasizing the critical need for a Ukraine arms supply package and underscoring the support of the American people and government for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.