Global Widespread Condemnation; At Least 48 Countries Condemn Russia's Use of North Korean Ballistic Missiles in Ukraine Attack

At least 48 countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, issued a strong statement condemning the transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia and Moscow's use of these missiles against Ukrainian cities on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024. These countries expressed concern over the security implications of Russia and North Korea's cooperation for Europe, the Korean Peninsula, the Indian Ocean region, the Pacific, and globally. They stated that the transfer of ballistic missiles or any related weapons and materials from North Korea to Russia is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and both countries must adhere to the relevant resolutions and immediately cease all activities that violate them. Various cities in Ukraine were subjected to extensive missile attacks by Russia on the morning of January 8, resulting in a total of 12 deaths and at least 60 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Russia launched nearly three hundred missiles and over two hundred drones against Ukraine on the eve of the New Year and in the early days of 2024. Mykhailo Podolyak, an assistant to the President of Ukraine, wrote on social media on January 15, "There is no longer any concealment... The Russian Federation, with the clear aim of genocide, has attacked Ukrainian territory for the first time with missiles received from North Korea." Tehran is also accused of being the primary supplier of drones to Russia in its attack on Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously described the development and proliferation of missile and drone production technology by the Islamic Republic as "one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security." Russia attacked Ukraine at night with 28 drones and three missiles. Ukraine stated that Russia is using "non-Russian" missiles, pointing fingers at the Islamic Republic and North Korea. The UK condemned Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine, and Washington expressed concern over Iran and Russia's negotiations for the sale of ballistic missiles.