Key facts
- Russia's overnight attack near Kryvyi Rih likely involved a North Korean missile.
- The attack killed a family.
- This is the first confirmed use of a North Korean missile by Russia in Ukraine in nearly a year.
- The missile was identified as a North Korean KN-23 variant.
- The strike targeted civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.
- The previous known use of North Korean munitions by Russia was in late December 2022.
Russia's overnight attack near Kryvyi Rih likely involved a North Korean missile, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. This marks the first confirmed use of a North Korean missile by Russia in Ukraine in nearly a year, suggesting a renewed supply of weapons for Moscow. The strike, which occurred near Kryvyi Rih, killed a family and targeted civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, causing significant damage. Ukrainian military officials identified the missile as a North Korean KN-23 variant. This development raises concerns about the continued flow of weapons from North Korea to Russia and its potential impact on the ongoing conflict. The previous known use of North Korean munitions by Russia was in late December 2022. The current incident suggests that North Korea may be providing Russia with a new source of ballistic missiles as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine. The implications of this renewed supply chain for the conflict remain to be seen, but it underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.