World

Ukraine Accuses Russia of Using North Korean KN-23 Missiles Against Energy Facility

By Pranjal Pandey

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russian forces had used KN‑23 ballistic missiles, which are manufactured and supplied by North Korea, to strike a key energy facility in Ukraine. In a post on X, he stated that preliminary findings confirmed the use of these missiles at the damaged site and called for stronger global sanctions against anyone who helps in the destruction of lives. Zelenskyy also highlighted the shortage of Patriot missile interceptors, noting that Russia fired 36 missiles on a ballistic trajectory, of which only four were intercepted. He said the lack of Patriot and PAC‑3 interceptors has led to greater loss of life. Ukraine has been facing significant shortages of US‑made Patriot air‑defence systems and PAC‑3 interceptors, which can intercept Russian ballistic missiles. The United States State Department approved a possible sale of 500 Patriot Advanced Capability‑3 (PAC‑3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to Ukraine in October, a deal worth about $2.1 billion and funded entirely by Kyiv’s partners and allies, but delivery could take several years. Zelenskyy welcomed the authorization but said Ukraine needs the interceptors for the winter of 2026‑2027 rather than years later. Kyiv has requested a winter support package of 100 Patriot interceptors a month. He said Russia treats diplomacy as a form of aggression, intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure to pressure the country and its partners. Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has deepened since the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in June 2024. South Korea’s Defence Intelligence Agency reported that North Korea has sent more than 16,000 personnel to Russia since October 2024 and supplied more than 15 million artillery rounds, according to a September report by Chatham House. In April 2025, North Korea acknowledged for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia, stating they fought alongside Russian forces in Kursk. Pyongyang also dispatched roughly 1,000 military engineers for mine‑clearance operations.