U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that North Korea will face a "high price" for its support of Russia, following accusations from the U.S. that Moscow utilized missiles supplied by Pyongyang in its conflict with Ukraine. The U.K. condemned Moscow for its use of North Korean weaponry, characterizing it as indicative of Russia's isolation and desperation, and a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council Resolutions. Furthermore, London called on North Korea to halt its arms supply to Russia. The warming relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have been evident as Putin seeks allies on the global stage, with reports suggesting significant ammunition shipments from North Korea to Russia.

The White House disclosed intelligence indicating that North Korea had supplied Russia with ballistic missile launchers and missiles, with Russian forces reportedly launching at least one of these missiles into Ukraine on December 30.