UN Report: Debris from North Korean Missile Violates Arms Embargo, Landed in Ukraine

On January 2, missile debris landed in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, and a recent report from United Nations sanctions monitors to a Security Council committee has confirmed that the debris was from a North Korean ballistic missile. The report, seen by Reuters on April 29, identified the debris as being from a Hwasong-11 series missile, in violation of the arms embargo on North Korea, which has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 due to its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

The report also stated that the monitors were unable to independently identify the source of the missile launch or the entity responsible for it. Although Ukraine provided information about the missile’s trajectory, suggesting that it was launched from Russia, both the Russian and North Korean missions to the U.N. in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Previous accusations from the U.S. and others have claimed that North Korea transferred weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine, which was invaded over two years ago. However, both Russia and North Korea have denied these accusations and instead, they have pledged to strengthen their military relations.