Russia is believed to have used a North Korean ballistic missile in a deadly overnight attack on Ukraine, marking the first reported deployment of the weapon in nearly a year, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The suspected missile strike targeted an area near the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, where members of the same family were among those killed.
If confirmed, it would signal that Moscow has replenished its stock of North Korean missiles as it steps up long-range attacks on Ukraine.
The overnight assault saw Russia launch dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones across Ukraine, killing at least eight people, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Zelensky condemned the attacks and renewed calls for Ukraine’s allies to strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities, warning that shortages of interceptor systems were leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable.
A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Ukraine last confirmed the use of a North Korean missile by Russian forces on August 8, 2025.
Russia began deploying North Korea’s KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets in late 2023.
Since then, Pyongyang has emerged as one of Moscow’s closest military partners, supplying thousands of troops, millions of artillery shells and ballistic missiles to support Russia’s war effort.
The Ukrainian Air Force did not immediately comment on the latest claims.
The reported use of another North Korean missile underscores the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as the war in Ukraine enters another intense phase, with Russia continuing to escalate missile and drone attacks across the country.
