Ukraine's Zelenskyy says Russia used North Korean missiles in attacks

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has accused Russia of employing North Korean missiles in recent attacks, including a deadly assault on the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia. At least six civilians were killed and 19 others injured in the city, according to Ukrainian authorities.

"The city was hit by North Korean ballistic missiles, 'tsirkons,' and guided aerial bombs," Zelenskyy stated, referring to the types of munitions used. The mention of 'tsirkons' likely alludes to Russia's hypersonic missile system, though the primary accusation centers on the use of North Korean weaponry.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has reportedly forged close military ties with North Korea. Zelenskyy claims that Russia has received a significant supply of ballistic missiles from the isolated nation and is also planning to deploy more North Korean soldiers to fight alongside its forces.

In addition to the Zaporizhzhia attack, Russian forces also carried out missile strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, killing three people, including a 15-year-old boy. The capital city, Kyiv, also experienced Russian missile attacks overnight, resulting in at least one fatality.

“

The city was hit by North Korean ballistic missiles, 'tsirkons,' and guided aerial bombs.