Zelenskyy: Russia used North Korean KN-23 missiles to hit Ukrainian energy site

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that Russia used North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles to strike a key Ukrainian energy facility, citing preliminary data. Zelenskyy stated on X that the attack proves global sanctions must be strengthened against those enabling Russia's destruction of lives. He added that a shortage of Patriot interceptors caused more casualties, as Ukraine downed only four of 36 incoming ballistic missiles. Ukraine faces severe air-defense gaps amid intensified Russian strikes ahead of winter, with a $2.1 billion Patriot interceptor sale approved but delivery potentially taking years. North Korea has deepened military ties with Russia since 2024, sending troops and artillery rounds.