Russia used North Korean missiles in strikes on Ukraine, says Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the United States for more air defence support after overnight strikes targeted energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Saturday that Russia used North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles during overnight strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. According to a report by WION, Zelensky stated that preliminary findings from damaged key energy facilities show the use of these missiles manufactured and supplied by North Korea.
The strikes began on the evening of November 6 and involved Iskander-M, Zircon, KN-23, and S-400 missiles launched from Russia's Bryansk and Voronezh regions. Zelensky said Russia launched 36 ballistic missiles at Kyiv and the surrounding region, of which four were shot down. One DTEK energy facility in the Kyiv region was damaged.
Zelensky also reported that the Kyiv Northern Bridge was hit by six ballistic missiles, four of which struck the structure. He attributed the low interception rate to a shortage of Patriot interceptors and said the United States is best placed to help address this issue.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed a strike on Kyiv that hit energy, transport, and military-industrial facilities, including the Pivnichnyi Bridge. Neither North Korean nor Russian officials have commented on the claims made by Zelensky.
Zelensky called for strengthened global sanctions and more bilateral support from the United States. He warned against discussing a new European-Russian security architecture before the war is settled, stating that the priority should be to end the war first.
