Alongside Russia, the review identifies China as a "sophisticated and persistent challenge," noting Beijing's growing ties with Moscow and its role in supplying critical components for Russian weapons systems.
Illegal arms transfers "contributed to Moscow's ability to increase its missile attacks against Ukrainian cities including targeted strikes against critical civilian infrastructure," according to a report from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team.
North Korean Leader leader Kim Jong Un condemned the failed launch as a "criminal act" and placed blame on several state institutions, accusing relevant officials of "irresponsibility" which "could not be tolerated."
There are sufficient legal grounds for Ukraine to initiate a case against North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un for assisting Russia in the war, according to Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC.
"Our involvement in the war was justifiable, and this belongs to our sovereign rights," North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said. "I regard this as part of the sacred mission we must execute for our brothers and comrades-in-arms."
The move represents an apparent violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions passed in the wake of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.
In recent weeks, North Korea's leader has overseen the launch of a new naval destroyer and observed tests of new drone systems.
The 4.7-kilometer (3 miles) road bridge will span the Tumen River and cross the border between Russia and North Korea.
More than three years since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia's defense industry has adapted to a new normal. Despite a web of international sanctions designed to cripple military production, factories across the country have been able to keep building bullets and shells, drones and military vehicles.
* Kremlin says Russia ready for mass mobilization like in WWII 'at any moment' * '5 explosions' — Ukrainian drones strike Russian military plant in Murom, source claims * EU will not recognize Crimea as part of Russia, Kallas says * 600 North Korean troops killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, South Korea says * Zelensky
North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties in total, including both dead and wounded, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said.
North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Kursk Oblast could be redeployed to fight in Ukraine itself, experts and Ukrainian officials have told the Kyiv Independent, though there is still much uncertainty about the next steps Pyongyang's soldiers could take. Such a move would have huge ramifications for Russia's full-scale
The Russian state news agency TASS published a video on April 28 that purports to show North Korean troops who fought alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast training in Russia.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have confirmed the involvement of North Korean troops fighting against Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast.
The statements come as both Moscow and Pyongyang admitted for the first time that North Korean soldiers were dispatched to fight alongside Russia in Kursk Oblast, with Russian President Vladimir Putin lauding them as "heroes."
In a statement reported by the state-run KCNA news agency, the ruling Workers’ Party described the deployment as demonstrating the "highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship" between North Korea and Russia.
Ukraine also earlier denied the Kremlin's claim, saying that the statements "do not correspond to reality."
The situation in the Sumy Oblast remains "challenging," State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said.
The Russian military had lost 62,400 soldiers in Kursk Oblast since the start of the Ukrainian army's military operation there last year, Ukraine's General Staff said on April 26.
Russian forces have fully retaken the territory of Kursk Oblast, the Russian border region partially held by Ukraine since last August, the Kremlin claims.
"The lack of sufficient pressure on Russia allows them to import such missiles and other weapons – and to use them here, in Europe. The lack of sufficient pressure on North Korea and its accomplices enables, in particular, the production of such ballistic missiles," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
"If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, it will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang," Zelensky said in a statement.
Key developments on April 16: * Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack * North Korea earns over $20 billion aiding Russia's war effort, report says * Kyiv doesn't rule out North Korean participation in Russia's assault on Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts * Russia arms 'kamikaze' drones with chemical weapons,
Roughly 5,000 North Korean soldiers have already been killed or injured, but 6,000 remain in Russia's Kursk Oblast and are likely to be used in new assaults, Ukrainian intelligence said.
A South Korean think tank suggests North Korea prefers "in-kind and technical assistance" that enhances its own defense industry and supports its long-term strategic goals.
Key developments on April 15: * Ukrainian forces target Russian missile brigade behind deadly Sumy attack * Witkoff says '5 territories' key to proposed Russia-Ukraine deal after meeting Putin * North Korean artillery now dominates Russia's ammunition supply in war against Ukraine, investigation says * Azov, Khartiia commanders to lead 2 new National Guard
The majority of artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2024 were manufactured in North Korea, according to a joint investigation by Reuters and the Open Source Center (OSС), published on April 15.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also listed China, India, Brazil, and South Africa among those he sees as potential participants.
Key developments on March 27: * Russia preparing for new spring offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, Zelensky says * ‘With or without the US’ — France, UK harden line over Ukraine at ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit * North Korea sent 3,000 more troops to Russia to offset Ukraine war losses, South
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim Jong Un personally inspected them and provided guidance to military officials.
Pyongyang has also reportedly supplied Moscow with more short-range ballistic missiles, 170 mm self-propelled howitzers, and 240 mm multiple rocket launchers.
"After he arrives in Pyongyang, Shoigu is scheduled to meet with Kim Jong Un and other North Korean officials," Russian state media reported.
(Updated: )
