Breaking News: Russia Launches Attacks on Ukraine with North Korean-Made Ballistic Missiles.

According to information released by "Ukrainska Pravda," an authoritative Ukrainian news outlet, on February 16, 2024, Russia launched a series of attacks on Ukrainian territory using North Korean-made ballistic missiles, potentially identified as KN-23 or KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles. This marks a concerning development in the conflict dynamics, highlighting North Korea's active role in supporting Russian military operations against Ukraine.
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North Korean KN-23 short-range ballistic missile at a military parade in Pyongyang. (Picture source Social Network)

The report by "Ukrainska Pravda" details that from December 30, 2023, to February 7, 2024, Russian forces executed at least 12 missile attacks across seven Ukrainian oblasts utilizing North Korean ballistic missiles. This not only underscores the intensification of hostilities but also the diversification of Russia's missile arsenal with external support.

Further compounding concerns, John Kirby, the spokesperson for National Security at the White House, confirmed on January 4, 2024, that Russia had deployed ballistic missiles provided by North Korea in its military actions against Ukraine, with some open-source intelligence identifying these missiles as KN-23s. This revelation aligns with previous reports from November 2023, in which the United States Department of Defense disclosed that North Korea had shipped over 1,000 containers of arms and ammunition, including KN-23 tactical ballistic missiles, to Russia in October 2023.

Visual evidence released by the U.S. showcased a significant accumulation of these containers at Najin, a North Korean port city proximate to the Russian border. These arms were subsequently transported across Russia to a location near the Ukrainian frontier, indicating a well-orchestrated effort to bolster Russian military capabilities through North Korean armaments.

This latest development not only signifies a deepening military collaboration between North Korea and Russia but also raises alarms on the international stage regarding the escalating nature of the conflict in Ukraine. The utilization of North Korean-made ballistic missiles by Russian forces represents a significant escalation and a complex challenge to global security dynamics, potentially prompting a reevaluation of international response strategies to the conflict in Ukraine and the broader implications of North Korea's involvement in global arms proliferation.

The KN-23 is a North Korean short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) that showcases significant advancements in Pyongyang's missile technology and combat capabilities. Modeled with similarities to Russia's Iskander missile system and South Korea's Hyunmoo-2 ballistic missile, the KN-23 is designed for quick deployment and high precision, capable of executing quasi-ballistic trajectories to evade missile defense systems. Its solid fuel propulsion allows for rapid readiness compared to liquid-fueled counterparts, enhancing its operational flexibility. The missile has an estimated range of approximately 400-600 kilometers, depending on the payload and trajectory, and is capable of carrying conventional or potentially nuclear warheads.

The KN-24 is a North Korean short-range ballistic missile that represents a critical component of the country's expanding arsenal, designed to enhance its strike capabilities and operational flexibility. This missile is often compared to the U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), given its similar physical appearance and presumed operational roles. The KN-24 is characterized by its solid fuel propulsion system, which facilitates quick launch procedures and reduces preparation time, thereby increasing its survivability and tactical utility on the battlefield. It is designed for precision strikes against key enemy targets, including military installations and strategic assets, with a reported ability to carry conventional warheads. The missile's range is estimated to be in the vicinity of 400 kilometers, allowing it to reach significant strategic targets within neighboring countries.

North Korean-made KN-24 short-range ballistic missile. (Picture Source MissileThreat)

Defense News February 2024