According to Ukrainian officials, the accuracy of North Korean missiles used by the Russian military since December 2024 has increased significantly compared to previous missiles launched. The accuracy of the missiles is said to be only 50-100 meters from the selected target, thereby showing that Pyongyang has developed missile technology based on data collected from the battlefield.

An unnamed military source said that in recent weeks, more than 20 North Korean ballistic missiles used by Moscow have improved in accuracy.

North Korea's military programs have advanced rapidly in recent years, including short- and medium-range missiles that Pyongyang says can be tipped with nuclear warheads. However, it was not until the fighting in Ukraine that Pyongyang's weapons were tested in combat, according to Reuters.

North Korea and Russia deny any bilateral arms deals. Last year, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which included provisions for military cooperation.

Pyongyang has repeatedly denied information that it has transferred weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Ukraine's defense intelligence agency said that North Korea had transferred at least 100 KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in November 2024 and planned to transfer at least 150 more of the same type this year. Kyiv said that Russia has been using North Korean K-23, K-23A and K-24 ballistic missiles since late 2023 and has fired about 100 of them.

Reuters quoted weapons expert Yang Uk from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul (South Korea), saying that advances in Pyongyang's missile technology could threaten South Korea, Japan and the United States.