“A launch was recorded from the territory of the Russian Federation in the direction of Bila Tserkva [Kyiv Oblast], but the missile simply fell in Kyiv Oblast, presumably exploding mid-air,” the report said.
The journalists indicated that debris found at the impact site bore markings consistent with previously identified KN-23 ballistic missiles Moscow launched at Ukraine in early 2024.
“The last documented use of North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles by Russian forces against Ukraine was on Feb. 27, 2024,” Defense Express wrote.
“This indicates that the Russian military has resumed using long-range missiles from North Korea after a five-month hiatus.”
On June 18, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During the meeting, Putin and Kim signed an agreement on "comprehensive strategic partnership," aiming to expand economic and military cooperation and strengthen a "united front" against the United States.
In early January, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby stated that Russia targeted Ukraine with North Korean ballistic missiles on Dec. 30, 2023, as well as on Jan. 2 and 6, 2024.