Ukrainian military officials have raised alarms over the increasing precision of North Korean ballistic missiles being deployed by Russian forces. Since late 2023, Moscow has relied on Pyongyang’s weaponry, but recent attacks suggest a dramatic improvement in accuracy, posing new challenges for Kyiv’s defense strategy.
North Korean Missiles Now More Accurate, Kyiv Reports
Ukraine’s military intelligence indicates that Russian forces have launched over 20 North Korean missiles in recent weeks, with many striking within 50 to 100 meters of their intended targets. This is a stark contrast to earlier missile attacks that were far less precise. The improvement suggests ongoing modifications or guidance system upgrades, possibly with Russian assistance.
For Ukraine, this development carries two major concerns:
- Stronger Russian Offensives: Enhanced missile accuracy allows Russia to hit strategic Ukrainian targets more effectively, increasing the threat level on the battlefield.
- Boosted North Korean Capabilities: Pyongyang’s weapons program stands to gain from combat testing and refinement, potentially making North Korea a more formidable military power.
Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Infrastructure in Response
Kyiv has not remained idle. Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, setting fire to an oil depot in the Krasnodar region. Similar attacks in recent weeks have also ignited blazes at refineries in Volgograd and a gas processing plant in Astrakhan.
These strikes are part of Ukraine’s broader effort to cripple Russia’s supply lines and disrupt military logistics. Targeting oil infrastructure reduces fuel availability for Russia’s war effort, potentially hampering operations along the front lines.
Prisoner Swap Brings 300 Soldiers Home
Amid ongoing hostilities, Ukraine and Russia have conducted another prisoner exchange, with each side releasing 150 prisoners of war. The swap is one of the many such agreements brokered since the war began, providing a rare moment of relief for families waiting for their loved ones to return.
North Korean Troops Still Present in Russia, Ukraine Claims
Reports have circulated suggesting that North Korean soldiers supporting Russian forces have been withdrawn from the front lines in Kursk Oblast. However, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov refutes this claim. He estimates that approximately 8,000 North Korean troops remain active in the region, despite earlier reports of a larger contingent of 12,000.
Casualty figures highlight the intensity of their involvement. At least 300 North Korean soldiers have reportedly died in combat, with another 2,700 wounded. Budanov suggests that while there may be a temporary decrease in activity, it remains uncertain whether this signals a long-term shift or just a short pause in their engagement.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Command Center in Kursk Oblast
In a significant blow to Russian military operations, Ukraine’s Air Force carried out a precision strike on a command post near Novoivanovka in Kursk Oblast on February 3. The attack inflicted major losses, including casualties among Russian officers and disruption of critical battlefield communications.
This follows a similar strike on January 31 in Rylsk, another key Russian-controlled area. Ukraine’s strategy appears focused on dismantling Russian command structures in the region, forcing Moscow to rethink its operational tactics.
Fighting in Kursk Continues as Ukraine Tries to Hold Ground
Ukraine initially launched a limited incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast in August 2024, securing around 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of territory. However, the counteroffensive has seen setbacks, with reports indicating that about half of that territory has been recaptured by Russian forces. Fighting in the region remains intense, with neither side willing to concede ground.
