Russian strike with North Korean missile points to new weapons stockpile that could fuel further attacks – Reuters

Russia's use of a North Korean missile in a strike on the village of Radushne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast suggests Moscow has received new weapons stockpiles that could be used as it intensifies its missile attacks on Ukraine.

Source: Reuters, citing a military source

Details: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 30 July that Russia had used a North Korean missile in the strike on the village, which killed five members of the same family.

Reuters added that this appears to be the first use of such a weapon in the war in almost a year.

According to a Reuters source in the military, Russia had previously launched North Korean missiles against Ukraine, but their first reported use since August suggests Moscow has received new stockpiles that could be used during an intensified missile campaign.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Reuters military source said Ukrainian radar detected two missile flight paths consistent with North Korean KN-23 or KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles heading towards Kryvyi Rih.

According to the source, two radar tracks generally indicate that four missiles were launched. The source added that they have no information about any other impact sites.

The source said investigators would need to examine missile fragments recovered from the scene before reaching a final conclusion, but added that they are confident the missile is of North Korean origin.

Russia began using North Korean KN-23 and KN-24 missiles against Ukraine in late 2023.

Reuters, citing the same source, reported that North Korean missiles have larger warheads and a longer range than Russia's Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, although they are less accurate.

Background: Zelenskyy said on 25 July that Russia was preparing to receive another 30,000 troops from North Korea, along with additional launchers for ballistic missiles.

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