North Korea's new missiles to Russia, Ukrainian forces' operational encirclement risk. Serhiy Zgurets' column

North Korea's assistance for Russia assistance

The head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said that Russia had received 120 units of self-propelled artillery systems and M-1991 multiple rocket launchers from North Korea. The same number may be transferred to Russia in the near future.

Russia uses these weapons not only in the Kursk region. In total, 240 MLRS and MLRS were transferred over the course of three months, which indicates a high rate of arms transfers. The use of MLRS was first noticed in January this year. These are non-standard 170 mm caliber MLRS with a range of up to 40 km. North Korea supplies these munitions to Russia. M-1991 MLRSs have a caliber of 240 mm and a range of 90 km.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, 600 to 1,000 Russian self-propelled artillery systems are destroyed every month. Therefore, these self-propelled artillery systems and MLRS must be in the sights of Ukrainian long-range systems. In addition to these weapons, Russia has received 150 KN-23 ballistic missiles from North Korea, which are to be delivered this year. Last year, 148 such missiles were transferred. That is, the pace of transfer remains unchanged. These missiles are not accurate, but Russia uses them as a terrorist weapon, targeting Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has to use air defense systems to counter these dangerous missiles.

There are also reports of new weapons from North Korea being supplied. These are camouflaged Grad systems that are placed under the guise of civilian vehicles transporting bread. Russia uses various methods to boost its potential.

Frontline update

The spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia troop grouping reported that in the Novopavlivka direction near Velyka Novosilka, there is a risk of operational encirclement of Ukrainian forces due to the Russian army's numerical advantage. Efforts are underway to prevent Russian forces from blocking the approaches to Velyka Novosilka, as they attempt to establish fire control over them. Russia is striving to gain control over the routes leading to the settlement.

Russian troops cut the road near Novyi Komar and Novosilka. They are trying to maintain control over the roads with the help of fire.

The offensive on Velyka Novosilka, which is held by the 110th separate mechanized brigade, is underway along the entire perimeter.  The area held by the Ukrainian soldiers is approximately 2x4 kilometers. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are supplied only from the northwest across the Mokri Yaly River. The foot crossings allow for the supply of ammunition, food and other necessary supplies, as well as evacuate the wounded in extremely difficult conditions.

The situation in this area is extremely difficult and could become critical if these crossings become unusable.

Currently, the 110th separate mechanized brigade is using a battalion of unmanned systems, which includes ground robotic systems. The robotic systems are used to evacuate the wounded and to transfer all the necessary components to certain points of resistance in Velyka Novosilka. In addition, aerial drones provide Ukrainian soldiers with everything they need and destroy their enemy.

Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22, Photo: Espreso

Maksym Vasylchenko, co-founder and director of the ground robotics platform manufacturer Tencore, said that the platforms are typically used for logistics, delivering cargo, ammunition, water, and other supplies, saving the lives of soldiers. The main goal of ground robotic platforms is to preserve lives, so soldiers rely on technology rather than their own hands and feet.

"We faced some issues during the first winter of operation, but together with the military, we found solutions and conducted successful tests. Now my guys are returning from the training ground with positive results regarding obstacle overcoming on the battlefield. We use various combat modules, such as grenade launcher turrets, modules for Browning and Kalashnikov machine guns, as well as modules for mortars. These modules are being tested and used on the battlefield. The turrets with grenade launchers, in particular, have proven to be very effective," he said.

The company has created an infrastructure on the platform that allows any manufacturer of engineering or combat solutions to install and use their developments. Grenade launcher turrets, modules for Browning and Kalashnikov machine guns, and modules for mortars are undergoing testing and implementation.

It is still too early to assess the accuracy and effectiveness of these systems, the process is ongoing, says Vasylchenko.

"Our grenade launcher turrets, in particular, have performed very well. Among the partners we work with is DevDroid. They produce lightweight and convenient turrets for Browning and Kalashnikovs. As for the accuracy and precision of fire, these are still not armored vehicles, but rather medium logistics platforms. There is room for improvement, and we are working on this together with the turret developers," he concluded.