KATHMANDU: According to a report presented to a Security Council committee, debris recovered from a missile that landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 2 was identified as originating from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. This finding was deemed a violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea by the United Nations. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, has been subjected to UN sanctions since 2006 due to its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
A team of three sanctions monitors conducted an inspection of the debris in Ukraine and determined that there was no evidence to suggest the missile was manufactured by Russia. Despite this, they were unable to ascertain the exact location from which the missile was launched or by whom. Ukrainian authorities provided information indicating that the missile was launched from within the territory of the Russian Federation, potentially suggesting involvement by Russian forces.
The report raised concerns that if the missile was indeed under the control of Russian forces, it would constitute a violation of the arms embargo on North Korea. Both the Russian and North Korean missions to the United Nations have yet to respond to requests for comments on the findings of the sanctions monitors. However, accusations have been made by the US and others alleging that North Korea transferred weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine.
The Hwasong-11 series ballistic missiles, which were first publicly tested by Pyongyang in 2019, have been a focal point of concern. The report comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite denials from Moscow and Pyongyang regarding weapons transfers, suspicions persist, prompting further scrutiny of military relations between the two countries.
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