US Unveils New Intelligence On Russia/DPRK/Iran Military Cooperation

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby has unveiled new intelligence suggesting that Russia and North Korea (DPRK) have increased military cooperation in recent months, with DPRK providing Russia with, "ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles."

• Kirby claims that Russia used at least one DPRK ballistic missile in a strike on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on December 30. Kirby says that Russia launched a further strike on Jan 2 using suspected DPRK ballistic missiles.
• Kirby says that the developments are, "significant," and believes that DPRK is seeking, in return, major upgrades for their own military which would have "concerning implications" for the Korean Peninsula and wider Indo-Pacific region.
• Kirby's declassification of intelligence comes as Congress remains gridlocked over additional funding for Ukraine - currently tied to complex three-track negotiations over the US-Mexico border and the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. More analysis on the status of negotiations in today's MNI US Daily Brief.
• Kirby says Russia is also seeking to acquire close range ballistic missiles from Iran and notes that Iran's IRGC has demonstrated missile capabilities to Russian officials.
• Kirby announced that the US is imposing new sanctions on entities involved in facilitating weapons sales between Russia and both North Korea and Iran and will present the intelligence to the UN.
• Kirby: "Iran and DPRK are standing with Russia. Ukrainians deserve to know that the Americans people and this government will continue to stand with them so its critical that Congress meets this moment and responds by providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend itself."