Russia uses North Korean missiles in Ukraine attack that kills at least 10 civilians

On August 11, 2026, Russian forces launched a deadly missile and drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, using North Korean ballistic missiles, killing at least seven steel plant employees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia is escalating the war with North Korean military equipment and troop deployments, which could reach 50,000 soldiers. Zelenskyy urged allies to supply more air defense systems to counter Ukraine's critical shortage of Patriot interceptors.

Zaporizhzhia missile attack

• ▪The Ukrainian mining and metals company Metinvest reported that seven of its steel plant employees in Zaporizhzhia were killed while attempting to reach shelters during the August 11, 2026 Russian strike.
• ▪Russian forces launched a missile and drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on August 11, 2026, using North Korean ballistic missiles, Zircon anti-ship missiles, and guided aerial bombs.
• ▪The August 11, 2026 Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia killed at least seven steel plant employees and injured over 20 people, according to Ukrainian officials and the Metinvest company.
• ▪The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its August 11, 2026 overnight strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and logistics centers, including a metallurgical plant in Zaporizhzhia.

North Korean troops deployment

• ▪South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported that about 2,000 injured North Korean soldiers were repatriated from Russia by air or train between January and March.
• ▪South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported that approximately 600 North Korean troops have been killed and 4,700 suffered casualties while fighting for Russia against Ukrainian forces.
• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on August 10, 2026, that North Korea is preparing to deploy up to 50,000 soldiers to Russia, an increase from previous estimates.

North Korean weapons supplies

• ▪An official at Ukraine's military intelligence reported that a North Korean missile unit equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers has begun deploying to western Russia.
• ▪North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems, according to Ukrainian and independent assessments.
• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces used ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea during the August 11, 2026 attack on Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine air defense shortages

• ▪UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urged allies to boost Ukraine's air defenses ahead of winter to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from using winter as a weapon.
• ▪The Institute for the Study of War stated that Ukraine's Patriot shortages offer Russia an opportunity to cause serious damage over the coming winter and delay meaningful negotiations.
• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia is scaling up ballistic missile production to exploit Ukraine's critical shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors.

Russia-North Korea strategic partnership

• ▪South Korea's Unification Ministry reported in April that North Korea's economy is showing signs of recovery due to deepening trade and diplomatic ties with Russia and China.
• ▪Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement in June 2024, pledging mutual aid if either country faces aggression.