Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles in a large-scale attack on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in Moscow’s weapons procurement amid international sanctions.
In a social media statement following Saturday’s assault, Zelensky said Russian forces fired 36 missiles—including KN-23 ballistic missiles sourced from North Korea—alongside 149 drones. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept just four missiles, with the president blaming a “significant shortage of interceptors” for U.S.-supplied Patriot systems.
Forensic Evidence Points to Pyongyang’s Arsenal
While not specifying how many KN-23s were deployed, Zelensky asserted Ukraine possesses forensic evidence from impact sites to support claims of North Korean involvement. “This is further proof that global sanctions regimes deserve tangible reinforcement,” he wrote, taking aim at nations enabling Russia’s war effort.
The KN-23—designated Hwasong-11A in North Korea—is a solid-fuel short-range ballistic missile bearing similarities to Russia’s Iskander system. Analysts note the North Korean variant, though initially less accurate, has shown improved performance after earlier Ukrainian reports in April warned the weapons were proving “extremely difficult” to counter.
Critical Infrastructure Crippled Ahead of Winter
The strike caused severe damage to energy facilities supplying Kyiv, including transmission lines from nuclear plants, along with bridges and heating systems. At least two civilians died and dozens were injured in what Ukrainian officials described as an attempt to pressure Kyiv before anticipated winter negotiations.
Russia’s defense ministry acknowledged the attack but claimed it targeted military sites, including missile factories and bridges allegedly used for weapons transport. The admission of North Korean missile use, if verified, would confirm long-standing concerns about a burgeoning Moscow-Pyongyang arms pipeline despite UN sanctions.
Zelensky urged Western partners to accelerate weapons deliveries, particularly air defense interceptors, stating: “We hope that the United States, like our other partners, will act on principle.” The attack comes as Ukraine seeks to bolster its position ahead of potential diplomatic talks while preparing for another brutal winter under Russian bombardment.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/11/09/volodymyr-zelensky-claims-russia-attacking-ukraine-with-north-korean-missiles/