The latest Russian strike on Kyiv was carried out by North Korean KN-23 missiles

On the night of 24 April, Russia used modified North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles for the first time during a combined attack on Kyiv, combining them with cruise missiles and kamikaze drones.

Here's What We Know

According to Defence Express, analysis of the wreckage indicates the use of several KN-23 missiles launched as part of a massive attack in which the Ukrainian capital was the main target. The missiles were launched from the Bryansk, Voronezh and Kursk regions of the Russian Federation.

A total of 11 ballistic missiles were launched, of which Ukraine's air defence forces managed to shoot down seven. The enemy also fired 37 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 31 of which were shot down, and six of the 12 Kalibr sea-launched missiles were destroyed. All four X-59 / X-69 guided missiles were also neutralised, while six Iskander missiles penetrated the defences.

A separate threat was posed by 145 Shahed-136 attack drones, of which 64 were shot down, another 68 were lost in the field, and only 13 managed to reach their targets.

The use of the KN-23 is confirmed by a video from Kyiv, where a missile fell into a residential area, causing a powerful explosion. Even when ballistic missiles are intercepted, their warheads can detonate when they fall, posing a serious danger to civilians.

Earlier, according to the GUR, the Russians had been modifying the KN-23, in particular to improve the missile's accuracy and stability. Previous attempts to use these missiles often ended in failure - up to 50% of them were destroyed in the air, and deviations from targets reached up to one and a half kilometres. In August and July 2024, KN-23 missiles fell to no avail in the forests of Kyiv region.

However, the current modifications likely allow Russia to target residential areas, using these missiles as a tool of terror against civilians.

Source: Defence Express