Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack Using North Korean Missiles
New Year assault employs 122 missiles and drones, marking first confirmed use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine
Record Aerial Assault Opens 2024 Campaign
Russia conducted its largest aerial attack of the conflict on January 2, 2024, launching 122 missiles and multiple drones across Ukraine, with evidence confirming the first use of North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles in the assault.
Key Facts
- Scale: 122 missiles plus drone swarms
- New element: North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles
- Targets: Multiple cities nationwide
- Casualties: Maternity hospital hit in Dnipro
Attack Composition
The assault included:
- Kinzhal hypersonic missiles
- Kalibr cruise missiles
- North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles
- Iranian Shahed drones
- Conventional cruise missiles
North Korean Weapons Debut
Intelligence confirmed:
- First combat use of DPRK missiles
- KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles
- Range of approximately 400km
- Part of broader military cooperation
Target Selection
Strikes focused on:
- Energy infrastructure
- Military facilities
- Urban residential areas
- Transportation hubs
- Industrial sites
Civilian Impact
Major incidents included:
- Dnipro maternity hospital strike
- Residential building collapses
- Power outage affecting millions
- Heating system disruptions
Air Defense Performance
Ukrainian forces reported:
- 87 of 122 missiles intercepted
- Patriot systems engaged hypersonics
- Overwhelmed in some sectors
- Critical infrastructure protected
International Response
Allied reactions included:
- Condemnation of North Korean involvement
- Accelerated air defense deliveries
- UN Security Council discussions
- Sanctions consideration expansion
Strategic Messaging
The attack timing suggested:
- New Year demoralization attempt
- Demonstration of sustained capabilities
- International partnership display
- Escalation despite Western support
Infrastructure Damage
Critical impacts involved:
- Power generation facilities
- District heating systems
- Water supply disruptions
- Transportation networks
North Korea Dimension
DPRK involvement indicated:
- Deepening military cooperation
- Weapons testing opportunity
- Economic benefits for Pyongyang
- Challenge to nonproliferation
Recovery Efforts
Emergency response included:
- Rapid repair team deployment
- International equipment assistance
- Alternative power arrangements
- Civilian evacuation operations
Pattern Analysis
The assault demonstrated:
- Sustained Russian capabilities
- Diversified weapon sources
- Civilian targeting continuation
- Allied defense challenges
The January 2024 attack marked both a quantitative escalation in scale and qualitative change through North Korean weapon introduction, setting the tone for intensified aerial campaigns throughout the year.