Zelenskyy: Russia struck Radushnoye with a missile from North Korea

Russian troops on the night of July 30, according to preliminary data, used a North Korean-made ballistic missile to strike the village of Radushnoye near Kryvyi Rih. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The head of state stressed that the type and origin of the munition must still be definitively established by specialists. Experts will conduct the necessary research on the discovered debris, but the available data already points to North Korean ballistic missiles.

“On Radushnoye, the Russians used a missile from North Korea for the first time in a long time — so the preliminary data says. Of course, there will still be expert examinations, everything will be verified, but as of now it is North Korean ballistic weapons,” — Zelenskyy reported.

The president linked the strike to the expansion of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. According to him, Moscow receives missiles and other military aid from Pyongyang, while the North Korean regime, in turn, sends its contingent to participate in Russian aggression.

Russia has already repeatedly used North Korean ballistic missiles of the KN-23 and KN-24 series against Ukraine. Specialists from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense examined their wreckage and established that these munitions are not direct copies of the Russian Iskander, although separate solutions related to that missile system may have been used in their development.

According to Ukrainian experts, North Korean missiles are equipped with larger engines and use less energy-efficient fuel. Outdated production technologies are also used in their manufacture. Determining the origin of the munition is made possible by the particular features of its design, body geometry, engine, and electronic components.

Zelenskyy also commented on the reaction of foreign states to another Russian strike on Ukraine. He noted that many countries condemned the attack and expressed condolences over the deaths of people. European states separately responded to the Russian missile that violated Polish airspace and exploded in a field near Lublin.

However, the president emphasized that statements and condolences are not enough. According to him, the most important response from partners should be additional missiles for Ukrainian air defense systems and increased pressure on Russia.

The main priority remains ammunition for Patriot systems, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Ukraine also needs missiles for NASAMS, IRIS-T, Hawk, and other air defense capabilities.

Zelenskyy called, first and foremost, on the United States and European allies to speed up deliveries. He emphasized that the decisions of partners and the availability of missiles for air defense directly affect the lives of Ukrainians and the country's ability to protect its cities from Russian attacks.

According to materials from: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ministry of Defense of Ukraine