Russia Fires North Korean JU-90 Cluster Munitions at Kherson, Dud Rate Leaves Deadly Threats for Civilians

Kherson regional police stated that Russian forces used cluster munitions against coastal districts of the city and urged residents to avoid shoreline areas amid a heightened risk from unexploded submunitions.

“The enemy is using cluster munitions to shell Kherson… These munitions resemble little bells and are equipped with distinctive fabric tails. They can explode from the slightest touch,” the police wrote, advising people not to handle suspicious items and to call emergency services immediately.

Imagery published by technical analysis from Defense Express, which assessed that the bomblets match a North Korean design informally labeled “JU-90,” likely modeled on the US M42 submunition but manufactured with simplified components that increase failure rates.

“In this submunition, provisionally designated JU-90, we can see an attempt to copy the American M42… yet the copy turned out critically worse,” the outlet reported, noting steel liners and a rudimentary impact fuze that contribute to a high proportion of duds—thereby compounding danger to civilians. 

Defense Express ,added that the JU-90 bomblets seen in Kherson were likely delivered via multiple-launch rocket systems of North Korean origin, pointing to previous transfers of 107mm and other cluster rockets from Pyongyang to Russia documented since 2023

Independent ordnance specialists have also cataloged the JU-90 as a North Korean-type cluster submunition similar in size and function to the M42, though they note formal manufacturer confirmation is pending. 

The reported use in Kherson aligns with broader findings by humanitarian monitors and researchers. The Cluster Munition Monitor has documented ongoing cluster munition use in Ukraine through the first half of 2025, while separate analysis indicates North Korea has transferred cluster munitions and other ordnance to Russia.

“North Korea has supplied Russia with deadly cluster munitions” for systems including Grad-type launchers, The Monitor reported in June. 

Authorities reiterated that any suspected submunitions should not be touched or moved. “Do not approach; if possible, mark the spot; return the same way; call 102 or 101 immediately,” Kherson police said, urging residents to avoid riverfront areas where unexploded ordnance has been found. 

Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian authorities documented nearly 6,000 Russian cluster-munition strikes against civilians, with attacks carried out by systems such as Smerch, Grad, Uragan, and Tochka-U using submunitions including M42, and cities like Kherson among those affected.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW