North Korean missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine underscores country’s escalating conflict
Recent missile attacks from positions just north of the Russia-Ukraine border have raised significant concerns after it emerged that Russia is lobbing North Korean-made ballistic missiles. The latest missile attacks are said to involve KN-23 solid-fuel rockets, causing significant damage by targeting key logistics bases for the Ukrainian army.
The acquisition of KN-23s by Russia represents a major escalation of its 23-month wider war on Ukraine. The KN-23, a 7,500-pound solid-fuel rocket, carries a 1,100-pound warhead and is believed to have been provided by North Korea under international sanctions.
According to U.S. national-security spokesperson John Kirby, Pyongyang provided Moscow’s forces with rockets and launchers. The deployment of KN-23s has prompted concerns as Ukraine may not have a similar capability to strike back with similar weapons, as it only has three Patriot batteries that can shoot down comparable Iskander ballistic missiles used by Russia.
The situation has been compounded by Ukraine’s reliance on its allies for military support, notably the United States. The reluctance of the United States to provide large numbers of powerful weapons to Ukraine has been a cause for concern as Ukraine finds itself increasingly defenseless against Russian aggression.
The recent attacks and the wider conflict highlight the challenges facing Ukraine, especially in the face of Russia’s escalating use of ballistic missiles. The situation continues to develop, raising critical questions about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and the need for international support in the face of Russian aggression.