Russia's Shadow Alliance: The Rise of North Korea in Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles in its attacks on Ukrainian cities, a development that raises concerns about the humanitarian toll of the war and underscores the increasingly complex dynamics at play in the region.
The partnership between Russia and North Korea is not new. In 2024, Presidents Putin and Kim signed a strategic agreement pledging mutual support in the event of aggression.
Since then, there have been reports of Ukrainian troops clashing with North Korean counterparts on the front lines.