In Russian service, the launchers could strike Ukrainian trenches and fire back at Ukraine’s own howitzers and launchers. Equally worryingly, they could hit front-line cities including Kharkiv, which is situated just 25 miles from the Russia-Ukraine border.

North Korea is expanding a weapons plant that manufactures missiles used by Russia against Ukraine, according to new research from a US-based think tank.

Ukraine, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) also said Pyongyang had begun supplying Moscow with artillery systems last month.