Zelensky: 32 of 36 Russian Missiles Got Through Ukraine's Defences

Ukraine's air defenses intercepted four of 36 ballistic missiles fired by Russian forces overnight, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, as preliminary forensic examinations at impact sites identified North Korean KN-23 missiles among those that struck a key energy facility.

Zelensky announced the findings after an emergency government conference, saying the strike also included 172 drones launched at Kyiv and the surrounding region. The KN-23, known in North Korea as the Hwasong-11A, is a solid-fuel, short-range ballistic missile.

The interception rate — four of 36 — points to what Zelensky described as a significant shortage of Patriot interceptors. He said the United States is best placed to help address the deficit.

Zelensky called for stronger global sanctions against anyone aiding Moscow's war effort, saying the strike is further proof that sanctions regimes need to be significantly strengthened against those providing services in destroying lives.

North Korea has deployed a missile unit to Russia, according to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, which reported the unit could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine.

What remains unknown: how many Patriot interceptors Ukraine currently has, how quickly additional deliveries can arrive, what specific new sanctions Zelensky is seeking and against whom, whether the US will accelerate interceptor deliveries, and the full extent of damage to the energy facility.

The immediate takeaway is the math: 36 ballistic missiles fired, four intercepted, and a confirmed North Korean supply line feeding Russia's war. The interceptor shortage is not new, but the strike makes the gap between what Ukraine can shoot down and what Russia can launch a matter of public record.