Zelenski Calls Out North Korean Missiles in Ukraine Offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a televised statement Monday evening accusing Russia of firing missiles supplied by North Korea to target Ukrainian cities. The allegation, made without concrete evidence, represents a escalation in the war narrative.

Overnight attacks grew in intensity: Ukrainian‑ran artillery struck the industrial hub of Zaporizhzhia, killing seven people and wounding 24, while a Ukrainian drone strike in Voronezh destroyed a Wildberries logistics hub—Russia’s Amazon counterpart—part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian supply lines.

A separate Ukrainian drone raid in the Russian republic of Tatarstan resulted in the death of 13 civilians, including a child, and damaged an oil refinery. The incident is considered one of the most deadly Russian‑side casualties in the conflict.

In contrast, Ukrainian forces reported a successful strike on a petrochemical facility in Siberia, marking a turning point that Zelenskiy hailed as a significant achievement. He urged that subsequent deep‑strike operations would push Russia toward recognising the need for peace.

Zelenskiy reiterated prior claims that roughly 50,000 North Korean soldiers may be fighting alongside Russian troops, a figure that could have strategic implications if verified.

Russia’s air defense stance remains cautious—its Air Force asked media to avoid sensational headlines, citing a scarcity of interceptors.

The allegation underscores rising international apprehension over North Korea’s arms involvement, a subject that continues to shape geopolitical dialogues amid the ongoing war.