Russian forces reportedly destroyed one of their own North Korean-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in a “friendly fire” incident in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive.
Russian military bloggers initially claimed the SAM system had been supplied to Ukraine by Western nations. However, Alexander Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military and political analyst, concluded that Russian forces mistakenly targeted the SAM, according to the Ukrainian Independent Information Agency.
The incident highlights North Korea’s growing military support for Russia. Pyongyang has reportedly supplied Moscow with short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, self-propelled guns, and even troops to bolster Russia’s efforts in the ongoing conflict.
Kovalenko noted that the destroyed SAM system’s transfer was not detected by Western or South Korean intelligence, indicating the existence of covert logistical supply chains between North Korea and Russia. “This is extremely alarming,” he said.
Kovalenko, who has over 100,000 Telegram subscribers, said the error occurred when a Russian drone operator mistook the North Korean SAM system for a Western-manufactured system used by Ukrainian forces in the region.
Analysis from Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi corroborated this claim, citing battlefield footage and photographs that show the North Korean SAM’s design closely resembles that of Western systems.
Ukraine has long accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and personnel. In November, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that Moscow had received over 100 KN-23 and KN-24 short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
“Along with the missiles, Pyongyang sent military specialists to service the launchers and participate in war crimes against Ukraine,” the intelligence agency said.
Kovalenko emphasized the strategic implications of North Korea’s contributions:
“Russia’s reliance on North Korean air defense systems reveals a severe shortage in its own arsenal. These supplies reflect Moscow’s difficulty in replenishing critical losses,” he said.
South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States estimate that Russia has deployed more than 10,000 North Korean troops to aid its forces. Given the mutual defense treaty signed between Russia and North Korea last year, Pyongyang’s support for Moscow is expected to continue.
The treaty obligates both nations to assist each other in the event of armed aggression, solidifying their strategic partnership amid growing international scrutiny.
newsweek.com
