Ukraine is enduring a surge in ballistic missile attacks, with an increasing proportion of these strikes involving North Korean KN-23 missiles. Ukrainian military officials report that these weapons are operational thanks to Western-manufactured components, despite stringent sanctions designed to prevent their proliferation.
Rise in Ballistic Missile Usage
According to Ukrainian defence sources, Russia has launched approximately 60 KN-23 missiles against Ukraine in 2024, comprising nearly one-third of the 194 ballistic missiles fired this year. August and September saw a significant uptick in these attacks, coinciding with Ukraine’s revelation of North Korea’s involvement in supplying weapons to Russia.
“We observe a shift in Russia’s strategy, relying more heavily on ballistic missiles and attack drones rather than cruise missiles since the spring,” stated Yuriy Ignat, Acting Head of Communications for the Ukrainian Air Force.
In addition to missile supplies, North Korea has reportedly bolstered Russian operations with around 11,000 soldiers deployed to the Kursk region.
Western Technology in North Korean Missiles
Investigations into the KN-23 missile fragments recovered in Ukraine reveal that as much as 70% of their critical components are of Western origin. Ukrainian officials have identified microchips and other electronic parts produced by manufacturers in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Some components were manufactured as recently as 2023, suggesting rapid supply routes into North Korea.
“Everything that enables the missile to function—its guidance and flight systems—is built with foreign components,” explained Andriy Kulchytskyi, head of the Military Research Laboratory at Kyiv’s Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise. “The only distinctly Korean aspect of the missile is its corroding metal casing.”
A report by the UK-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR) confirmed these findings, noting that 75% of the components in an early KN-23 missile used against Ukraine originated from US-based firms. CAR and Ukraine’s Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) have linked the illicit flow of such components to distributors operating through China.
Loopholes in Sanctions Enforcement
Weapons-tracing experts suggest that Chinese companies play a central role in transferring Western components to North Korea. Damien Spleeters, Deputy Director of Operations at CAR, stated that Chinese firms frequently acquire components from Western manufacturers via intermediaries before diverting them to sanctioned states.
“The diversion does not typically occur at the manufacturing plant but rather through distribution networks,” Spleeters noted. He added that while some manufacturers have demonstrated their compliance with sanctions, many fail to conduct adequate audits of their supply chains due to the associated costs.
NAKO researcher Victoria Vyshnivska underscored the role of middlemen, observing that five main distributors in the US and Canada dominate the global supply of such components. CAR has called for stricter regulation of these distribution companies rather than focusing solely on manufacturers.
Impacts on Civilians and Infrastructure
Ballistic missile strikes using North Korean weaponry have exacted a heavy toll on Ukraine. Ukrainian prosecutors report that such attacks have killed at least 28 civilians and injured 213 others in 2024 alone. The destruction of residential areas and critical infrastructure compounds the humanitarian and economic challenges faced by the country.
Missile fragments recovered from these strikes are meticulously examined by Ukrainian forensic teams to trace their origins. This evidence bolsters Ukraine’s calls for stricter international enforcement of sanctions and improved corporate oversight.
Policy Responses and Future Challenges
Western governments have intensified efforts to curb the flow of sensitive technologies to Russia and its allies. The US Commerce Department has targeted entities and shell companies involved in sanctions violations, while Ukrainian officials have urged for more decisive action.
“No manufacturers have been held accountable for the components found in Russian and North Korean missiles,” lamented Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy. “Accountability could compel these companies to strengthen their compliance frameworks.”
The US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has similarly criticised US firms for lax oversight of distributors, calling for enhanced monitoring of corporate compliance practices.
Beyond North Korea, Russian weapons and drones continue to feature Western components, highlighting the persistence of supply chain vulnerabilities. Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has identified American-made parts in advanced Russian drones like the “Okhotnik,” further highlighting the need for comprehensive action to close these channels.
The continued presence of Western technology in North Korean and Russian weapons illustrates the limitations of existing sanctions regimes. Strengthening international cooperation to trace and block supply networks is critical to reducing the effectiveness of these arms in conflicts such as Ukraine. Without such measures, the illicit flow of components will likely persist, enabling further escalation of hostilities.
