Russian strike near Kryvyi Rih may have employed a North Korean missile for the first time this year
A nighttime Russian attack that killed a family near Kryvyi Rih is suspected of using a North Korean missile, marking the first confirmed use of such a weapon in the conflict this year.
According to two unnamed sources, a Russian bombardment that resulted in eight fatalities, including a family near Kryvyi Rih, probably utilized a missile supplied by North Korea, the first confirmed instance of such use in the war since August 2025. The strike formed part of an extensive overnight offensive that saw Russia launch dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted the country's dwindling air-defence capabilities and urged international partners to provide additional assistance.
Russia first introduced North Korean KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles toward the end of 2023, and the recent deployment suggests a new stockpile is now available. North Korea has remained a close ally of Moscow, contributing troops, artillery shells, and missile technology throughout the conflict. Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to a request for comment on the sources' claims.
Why it matters
The possible use of North Korean missiles shows Russia is expanding its foreign-supplied arsenal, raising concerns for Ukraine's defence and regional security.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage foregrounds the Ukrainian civilian tragedy and Ukraine’s air-defence shortfall, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the Russian use of a North Korean missile and its implications for Moscow’s arsenal.
LEFT
Frames the strike as a Ukrainian tragedy highlighting civilian deaths and Ukraine’s defence challenges
RIGHT
Frames the strike as a Russian operation that likely used a North Korean missile, underscoring Moscow’s new weapons stockpile and alliance
The left emphasises
- missile believed to be of North Korean origin struck the village, killing two parents and three of their children
- first deployment of a North Korean missile in the conflict since August
- Ukrainian forces are grappling with a severe shortage of high-end air-defence systems
The right emphasises
- Russian bombardment probably utilized a missile supplied by North Korea, the first confirmed instance since August 2025
- the strike formed part of an extensive overnight offensive that saw Russia launch dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones
- Russia first introduced North Korean KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles, suggesting a new stockpile is now available
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