Key facts
- An overnight Russian attack near Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killed a family.
- Two sources indicate the attack likely used a North Korean missile.
- This marks the first reported use of a North Korean missile by Russia in Ukraine in nearly a year.
- North Korea has previously provided Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers.
- The US has stated Russia is also seeking missiles from Iran.
- The US and allies intend to raise the matter at the UN Security Council.
An overnight Russian attack near the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in the deaths of a family, likely utilized a North Korean missile, according to two sources. This marks the first instance of such a weapon being employed in the conflict in nearly a year.
Russia has previously fired North Korean missiles at Ukrainian targets, but their reappearance after a significant interval suggests Moscow has access to a new supply of weapons as it escalates its missile attacks. The United States has stated that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers, which were reportedly used in recent attacks on Ukraine. This development is seen as a significant escalation of North Korea's support for Russia.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby indicated that the Pyongyang-supplied missiles have a range of approximately 900 kilometers. He noted that Russia launched at least one such missile on December 30 into an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region, followed by multiple ballistic missiles in a mass aerial attack on January 2. The US and its allies intend to address this issue at the United Nations Security Council, as it constitutes a breach of UN sanctions against North Korea. Britain has strongly condemned Russia's actions, characterizing them as symptomatic of Russia's global isolation and desperation.
In addition to North Korean weaponry, Russia is reportedly seeking missiles from Iran, with ongoing talks for close-range ballistic missiles, though no agreement has been reached. The US had previously reported in October that North Korea had delivered over 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia, but this is the first confirmation of the actual use of such weapons. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also called for increased production of missile launchers in preparation for a confrontation with South Korea and the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to inflict "wrath" on Russian forces in 2024, with Kyiv reportedly increasing its domestic arms production. The latest attacks underscore the urgency for Western allies to expedite the delivery of air defense equipment, combat drones, and long-range missiles to Ukraine.