Russia Launches 194 Ballistic Missiles at Ukraine This Year, Including North Korean KN-23s

Russia’s Missile Strikes on Ukraine: A 2024 Update

From January to November 2024, Russia launched 194 ballistic missiles at Ukraine. About 60 of these missiles were KN-23 types from North Korea, which contain components made in Western countries, according to CNN.

This analysis is supported by Ukrainian military sources. Ukraine first publicly reported the use of KN-23 missiles by Russia in August and September, coinciding with a noticeable rise in missile attacks.

Yuri Ignat, acting head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Forces, stated that since spring, Russia has used more ballistic missiles and drones to strike Ukraine, while relying less on cruise missiles.

Ukrainian officials showed CNN fragments of North Korean missiles that contained guidance systems made with components from the U.S. and Europe. Critical parts were sourced from nine Western manufacturers, including firms based in the U.S., Netherlands, and the UK. Some components were produced as recently as 2023.

A report from the UK-based organization Conflict Armament Research (CAR) found that 75% of the components in early North Korean missiles used against Ukraine came from U.S.-based companies.

CAR’s findings also indicate that over 250 companies supplied parts found in North Korean missiles. Most of the electronics sold are distributed through five main distributors in the U.S. and Canada. Experts suggest that China likely serves as a key supply channel for these components.