RUSSIA has used North Korean missiles to blitz Ukraine for the first time.

The missile bombardments on December 29 and January 2 left at least 50 people dead.

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The first North Korean rocket flew almost 300 miles and exploded harmlessly in a field, US officials said.

The White House’s John Kirby said: “It’s a concerning escalation in support for Russia.”

Mr Kirby also warned that Russian talks with Iran to acquire more missiles were advancing.

Kirby said: “Russian negotiations to acquire close-range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively advancing.”

It came as North Korea fired an artillery barrage near two South Korean islands yesterday.

Seoul accused Pyongyang of blasting more than 200 shells towards Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong islands, close to the countries’ maritime border.

The south condemned the bombardment as a “provocative act that threatens peace”.

Local residents were told to evacuate and ferries were suspended.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The world turned its back on Russia, forcing Putin into the humiliation of going to North Korea to keep his illegal invasion going.”