A North Korean ballistic missile unit is taking up positions in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, Reuters reported on Aug. 5, citing Andrii Cherniak, spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence. The first confirmed use of a North Korean missile by Russia came during an attack on Kharkiv on Jan. 2, 2024. The unit, which is being deployed in the region bordering Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast, is believed to have six launchers and 120 ballistic missiles. According to Cherniak, the strike marked Russia's first use of North Korean missiles since August 2025. Like other ballistic weapons, North Korean-made ballistic missiles can be intercepted by Ukraine only using the U.S.-made Patriot missile system.