This marks the first time such a weapon has been used in almost a year, indicating that Moscow possesses a new supply of arms.
Russia employed a North Korean missile in an attack on a village, resulting in the death of five individuals from the same family, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who mentioned this on Thursday. This would mark the first instance of such a weapon being used in the conflict in almost a year.
Russia previously used North Korean missiles against Ukrainian targets, but the first deployment since August suggests a new supply of weapons that Moscow can utilize as it increases its missile attacks, according to a military source.
Russia launched dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones in an overnight assault, resulting in at least nine fatalities, according to officials, as the Ukrainian military faces a critical lack of advanced air defense systems.
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The deployment of North Korean missiles would align with a trend where Russia has increasingly relied on ballistic missiles such as the Iskander 9M723, which can only be countered by U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, according to a military source.
Zelensky mentioned that a missile destroyed a house in the village of Radushne, close to the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the deaths of two parents and three of their children. The situation of their other four children remained unknown, as did the status of their 1½-year-old grandson, he added.
In his evening speech, Zelensky mentioned that initial information indicated the missile that struck Radushne was from North Korea. Reuters had previously reported that the missile used in the attack was likely of North Korean origin, as per two sources.
The Russian defense ministry and the Ukrainian Air Force did not promptly provide statements in response to inquiries. The North Korean embassy in London did not answer a phone call seeking comments during non-business hours.
A military official, who asked to remain unnamed due to the delicate nature of the issue, stated that Ukrainian radar systems detected two missile trajectories consistent with North Korean KN-23 or KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles heading toward Kryvyi Rih during the assault.
Two radar tracks usually suggest that four missiles were launched, according to the source, who added that other impact locations were unknown to him.
To make a definitive evaluation, investigators had to examine missile fragments discovered at the location, a procedure that is still ongoing, according to the source, who also stated that he was still certain it was a North Korean missile.
Russia started launching North Korean KN-23 and KN-24 missiles into Ukraine near the end of 2023.
North Korean missiles feature a bigger warhead and greater range compared to Russia’s Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, according to a military source, even though they are less precise.
In 2024, North Korea deployed 14,000 soldiers to assist Moscow’s military in countering a Ukrainian advance into Russia’s Kursk area.
It has also provided millions of artillery shells for Russia’s military operations.
Last week, Zelensky stated that the Kremlin aimed to have North Korea dispatch an additional 30,000 soldiers, mentioning that Russian efforts were being made to prepare for their arrival in the Voronezh area.
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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