Zelenskyy Alleges North Korean Missile Use in Russia's Latest Energy Grid Strikes
Ukraine reports North Korean ballistic missiles hit energy facilities as trilateral peace talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine are set for Abu Dhabi.
The day on the war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that preliminary findings indicate Russia used North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles in its recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The claim follows a large-scale Russian missile and drone barrage on November 7, which targeted over a dozen Ukrainian regions, causing power outages and damaging critical infrastructure, including Kyiv's Northern Bridge.
Zelenskyy also highlighted a significant shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, urging the United States to accelerate deliveries. These developments unfold just days before US-mediated trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to commence in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, where Russia is expected to be represented by senior military and diplomatic officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Along the front
| Sector | Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Slovyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration | Russian forces recently advanced in this area. | ISW |
| Chasiv Yar | Russian forces recently advanced in this tactical area. | ISW |
| Orikhiv | Ukrainian forces recently advanced southeast of the town. | ISW |
Strikes & the grid
Multiple Ukrainian regions
What: Russia launched 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles targeting energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and transport links.
Toll: One person killed in Dnipropetrovsk, over a dozen injured across Ukraine, including two children; a Kyiv kindergarten and the Northern Bridge in Kyiv were damaged.
Saratov Oil Refinery, Saratov Oblast, Russia
What: Ukrainian forces struck the refinery overnight on November 6 to 7.
Toll: At least the eighth strike against this refinery in 2026.
Diplomacy & talks
US-mediated trilateral talks (Ukraine, Russia, US). Negotiators are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. Russia will send senior military officials and diplomats, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky.
Aid & sanctions
United Kingdom
Measure: Military aid funding
Detail: Over £1 billion in weapons and military support for Ukraine has been paid for using proceeds from immobilized Russian assets, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey in Kyiv.
United Kingdom
Measure: New sanctions
Detail: Fresh sanctions were imposed against individuals linked to Russia's forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- The trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
- Further reports on the impact of recent strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
- Any official confirmation or denial regarding the alleged use of North Korean ballistic missiles by Russia.
- Discussions among Ukraine's allies regarding increased air defense support, particularly Patriot interceptors.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.