Zelenskyy claims Russia received fresh North Korean ballistic missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday claimed that Russia has received a new batch of ballistic missiles from North Korea, alleging that Moscow is also preparing to deploy additional Pyongyang troops on its territory as part of deepening military cooperation between the two capitals.

Strikes on Siberian oil facility

Zelenskyy made the remarks during a briefing on long-range strike capabilities, telling Telegram followers that Ukrainian forces had destroyed another Russian oil-refining facility in Tobolsk, Siberia — more than 2,500 kilometers from Ukrainian positions. "This is a very significant achievement of our Ukrainian warriors," he said, adding that Kyiv's ability to strike distant targets would continue to expand.

North Korean military support

The Ukrainian leader stated that Pyongyang had supplied Moscow with fresh ballistic missiles, though Russia has not immediately commented on the allegations and independent verification remains difficult amid ongoing hostilities. "Russia received a new batch of ballistic missiles from North Korea," Zelenskyy said. The claim comes as Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their military ties under a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024.

Strategic partnership context

The reported missile transfer follows the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang last year, which has seen North Korean forces reportedly deployed to support Russian operations in Ukraine. Washington and its allies have previously condemned such arms transfers as violations of UN Security Council resolutions.