The UK has condemned Russia's decision to use ballistic missiles obtained from North Korea in recent attacks on Ukraine.

"The UK strongly condemns Russia’s decision to use ballistic missiles sourced from North Korea in recent attacks against Ukraine. We urge North Korea to cease its arms supply to Russia," UK's Foreign Office spokesperson said.

The UK's Foreign Office spokesperson noted that North Korea is subject to a strict sanctions regime. He noted that London will continue to work with its partners to make North Korea pay a high price for supporting Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.

"Russia is turning to North Korea for its weapons in pursuit of its cynical and ill-conceived military aims in Ukraine. This is symptomatic of its isolation on the world stage and a sign of its desperation. Furthermore, this activity is in violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions – which Russia supported as a permanent member," the UK authority stated.

The UK Foreign Office stressed that any support for North Korea's illegal weapons programs risks significantly undermining the UN's long-term commitment to security and leading to further destabilisation in the region.

National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House John Kirby noted that the United States has evidence of Russia receiving ballistic missiles from North Korea (DPRK) and launching them over Ukraine, as well as negotiations between Moscow and Tehran on obtaining similar weapons, which was also reported by the media.

The United States was preparing additional sanctions against those involved in the transfer of military assistance, including ballistic missiles, to Russia from North Korea and Iran.

In December, Russia and Iran signed a joint declaration on working together to counter Western sanctions imposed on both countries.