North Korea was able to successfully launch a reconnaissance satellite into orbit with the help of Russia, to which it had previously transferred more than a million artillery shells for the war against Ukraine.
Source. This was reported by a member of the South Korean parliament's intelligence committee, Yoo Sang-bom, with reference to South Korean intelligence data, Reuters reports.
According to him, after the visit of DPRK leader Kim Jong-un to Russia in September this year, North Korea sent Moscow data on its launch vehicles, which were used in two previous launches that ended in failure. Russia analyzed the information provided and made adjustments.
"Regarding the success of the third launch, the South Korean National Intelligence Service appreciated the assistance from Russia," Yoo Sang-bom said. At the same time, he could not confirm or deny the information provided by North Korean state media that the reconnaissance satellite had already taken pictures of US military facilities on the island of Guam, including Andersen Air Force Base and Apra Port.
Now North Korea may launch more satellites and conduct a nuclear test next year, said another member of the South Korean parliamentary committee, Yoo Kun-yeon.
According to the UN resolution, which Russia supported, states are prohibited from assisting the DPRK in developing technology.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the successful launch of a reconnaissance satellite on November 22. It was noted that the launch was personally watched by DPRK leader Kim Jong-un. At the same time, KCNA clarified that the satellite will start full operation only in December, as it takes time to set up.
The United States called the launch a "brazen violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions," noting that it "increases tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond."
Background. As reported, North Korea could have received about $3 billion from Russia for the provided missiles. $3 billion is more than 10% of the DPRK's economy, which totals $25 billion.