Russia-North Korea Missile Link: Did Moscow Use Kim Jong-un’s Weapons in Kyiv Attack?
Russia is facing global outrage after Ukraine claimed Moscow used North Korean ballistic missiles in a deadly strike on Kyiv. Here’s what we know so far.
A Shocking Strike with Unfamiliar Origins
What if a missile flying over your city wasn’t just from your known enemy, but from another hostile nation miles away? That’s exactly what Ukraine believes happened this week. In one of the deadliest airstrikes on Kyiv in recent months, Russia allegedly used a North Korean ballistic missile—yes, you read that right, North Korean.
This surprising revelation has rattled international observers and reignited concerns over deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Why This Development Matters
The Russia-Ukraine war is already a volatile and complex conflict. But when a country like North Korea—known for its secrecy and defiance of global norms—enters the equation, the stakes get even higher.
• Ukraine claims that at least one of the missiles that hit Kyiv came from North Korea.
• The strike killed at least 12 people and injured around 90, according to Ukraine’s state emergency services.
• This was the deadliest attack on Kyiv in months, despite the city’s strong air defense systems.
The use of North Korean weapons, if confirmed, could violate international sanctions and bring about a new wave of diplomatic responses.
What Happened: A Deadly Night in Kyiv
Around 1:00 AM on Thursday, air raid sirens pierced the calm of Kyiv. Minutes later, explosions rocked the capital as Russia launched a massive aerial attack.
• Over 70 missiles and 145 drones were fired across Ukraine, with Kyiv as the primary target.
• In Kyiv’s Sviatoshinsky district, buildings were reduced to rubble. Civilians were trapped under debris, and rescuers worked through the night.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly cut short a trip to South Africa to manage the crisis.
Zelenskyy later accused Russia of using a North Korean ballistic missile in the attack, adding a dangerous new twist to the already grim situation.
Moscow and Pyongyang: A Growing Alliance?
While neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed any missile transfers, intelligence agencies and analysts have warned for months about increased cooperation between the two countries.
• North Korea has surplus missile stockpiles, especially older models that could be offloaded to allies.
• Russia, under heavy Western sanctions, might be sourcing arms from non-traditional partners.
• In 2023, reports surfaced suggesting North Korea may have shipped artillery shells and rockets to Russia.
If ballistic missiles were actually used, this marks a serious escalation—not just in the war, but in global geopolitics.
Read more Ukraine-Russia coverage on Daily News Motion
What This Means for the World
The global community is now watching closely. If Russia is turning to North Korea for deadly weapons, it raises several concerns:
• Violation of UN sanctions that prohibit arms trade with North Korea.
• Risk of legitimizing North Korea’s weapons industry through indirect use.
• Expansion of a new axis of authoritarian cooperation involving Russia, North Korea, and possibly others.
NATO leaders have already expressed alarm. U.S. and European officials are reportedly assessing the missile debris to confirm its origin.
See official UN statements on North Korea sanctions
What’s Next?
We’re likely to see:
• Further investigations into the missile’s origins.
• Stronger sanctions or diplomatic moves if North Korea’s involvement is confirmed.
• More calls for ceasefire negotiations, even as the battlefield remains active.
President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected in Moscow soon to push for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has urged global leaders to step up pressure on Russia—not just with words, but with action.
Final Thoughts
As the world watches this war stretch into its third year, the use of a North Korean missile—if confirmed—changes the narrative. It’s no longer just about Russia and Ukraine. It’s about who’s helping whom behind the scenes.
What do you think: Should the international community impose harsher sanctions on countries that indirectly support aggression? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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