Official announcements from the US Department of State or Department of Commerce

Western, American Components Found in North Korean KN-23/24 Missiles Used by Russia Against Ukraine

Oct 20, 2024, 03:59 PM

A recent examination of a North Korean KN-23/24 missile shot down in Ukraine revealed numerous recently produced Western-made components, including American parts. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and other officials have expressed outrage over the findings, highlighting that these components were used in missiles fired by Russia. Authorities in Kyiv have called on allies to respond strongly by tightening sanctions, enhancing export controls, and boosting Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The components found in the missile reportedly originated from countries including Switzerland, the US, Britain, and the Netherlands. This discovery follows a July attack on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, where similar Western components were found in Russian missiles, underscoring ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions and export controls.