# Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Using North Korean Missiles in Energy Strikes

Russian attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure precede upcoming diplomatic negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

- **Source:** [Sky News Arabia](https://www.skynewsarabia.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-07
- **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world)
- **Original article:** <https://www.skynewsarabia.com/world/1903276-%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%83%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b9ce6124-87a8-42c5-9a00-9ba20b8f30ff

## Escalation in Energy Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces utilized North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles during recent overnight attacks. These strikes specifically targeted critical energy infrastructure, causing severe damage across five distinct regions. The military action has significantly disrupted power supplies, leaving large areas of the country struggling with widespread electrical outages.

## Infrastructure Damage in Kyiv

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the bombardment caused substantial destruction to a major bridge and several energy facilities within the capital and its surrounding areas. Ukraine's Ministry of Energy stated that emergency repair teams are working under hazardous conditions, as air raid sirens continue to sound across the affected territories.

## Strategic Timing of Attacks

Zelenskyy explicitly linked the intensified Russian offensive to upcoming diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the four-year conflict. He argued that Moscow is deliberately escalating violence against civilian infrastructure to weaken Ukraine's bargaining position. This tactical pressure is intended to influence the stance of Kyiv and its international partners during scheduled discussions.

## Upcoming Abu Dhabi Negotiations

Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. These talks are part of a diplomatic initiative led by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The objective is to reach a potential settlement for the war, which has persisted for years.

## Technical Assessment of Weaponry

Technical experts are currently conducting detailed evaluations at the impact sites to confirm the origin of the munitions. Preliminary findings identify the use of KN-23 ballistic missiles, which are manufactured in North Korea and supplied to Moscow. This development highlights the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the ongoing conflict.

## Impact on Civilian Life

The destruction of energy facilities poses a severe threat to the civilian population as winter approaches. With power grids failing in five regions, the ability to maintain heating and essential services is severely compromised. Authorities are prioritizing the restoration of electricity, though the ongoing threat of further missile strikes complicates these efforts.

## Diplomatic Leverage and Pressure

The timing of these strikes suggests a calculated attempt by Moscow to dictate the terms of the upcoming Abu Dhabi summit. By targeting the backbone of Ukraine's economy and civilian life, Russia aims to force concessions. Kyiv remains under intense pressure to balance immediate infrastructure recovery with its long-term diplomatic objectives.

## Future Outlook of Conflict

The outcome of the November negotiations remains highly uncertain given the current military escalation. The use of foreign-supplied ballistic missiles marks a significant shift in the conflict's intensity. Observers are closely watching whether these diplomatic talks can produce a viable ceasefire or if the cycle of infrastructure destruction will continue unabated.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.skynewsarabia.com/world/1903276-%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%83%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
