President Zelenskyy solemnly paid tribute to victims of a deadly Russian missile strike in Kyiv, while suggesting evidence North Korea may have manufactured the weapons used to kill at least 12 civilians.
At a Glance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the site of a Russian attack in Kyiv that killed at least 12 people
- Zelenskyy laid flowers at the destroyed building and suggested North Korea manufactured the missile used
- Donald Trump called on Putin to “STOP!” the assault while also criticizing Zelenskyy for allegedly hindering peace talks
- Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized Trump’s peace proposals as offering “nothing” to Ukraine
- Ukraine’s military successfully repelled Russian forces attempting to use the air assault to cover ground attacks
Zelenskyy Honors Victims at Attack Site
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the site of a deadly Russian missile attack in Kyiv that claimed at least 12 lives. During his solemn visit, Zelenskyy laid flowers near the wall of a destroyed building, paying respect to those who lost their lives in what appears to be another escalation in Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukrainian civilians. The attack represents one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital in recent months as the war continues with no clear resolution in sight.
“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday visited the site of the deadly Russian attack in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv that killed at least 12 people.” sources report.
Allegations of North Korean Involvement
In a significant development, Zelenskyy linked the missile used in the Kyiv attack to North Korea, potentially confirming longstanding concerns about deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Such collaboration would mark a dangerous escalation in international support for Russia’s war efforts and raise serious questions about global security implications. If confirmed, this would represent direct North Korean involvement in causing Ukrainian civilian casualties, expanding responsibility for the conflict beyond Russia alone.
“If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang. They kill people and torment lives together.” Zelenskyy said.
Trump and Western Responses Divide
As the conflict intensifies, former President Donald Trump issued a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, simply stating “Vladimir, STOP!” However, Trump simultaneously criticized President Zelenskyy for allegedly impeding peace negotiations, highlighting the complex and often contradictory Western approaches to the conflict. This dual message reflects ongoing debates within American politics about how best to address the Ukraine-Russia war, particularly as the 2024 U.S. election approaches with foreign policy as a key issue.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sharply criticized Trump’s peace proposals, arguing they offer nothing substantial to Ukraine while effectively rewarding Russia’s aggression. Johnson specifically pointed to provisions that would allow Russia to keep Ukrainian territory seized through military force, characterizing such terms as a dangerous precedent that violates international law. His comments underscore the divergent approaches between American and European leaders on how to reach a just conclusion to the conflict.
“Putin indiscriminately butchers more Ukrainian civilians, killing and injuring 100 in Kyiv including children. And what is his reward under the latest peace proposals? 1. The right to keep sovereign Ukrainian territory he has taken by violence and in breach of international law.” Johnson wrote on X.
Broader Pattern of Escalation
The attack comes amid a broader pattern of concerning developments in the conflict. Ukraine’s military successfully repelled Russian forces that attempted to use the air assault as cover for ground attacks, demonstrating continued battlefield resilience despite increasingly dire circumstances. Meanwhile, Ukraine has accused Russia of torturing Ukrainian reporter Viktoria Roshchyna, who reportedly died in captivity, further highlighting the human rights abuses that have characterized the conflict.
During his recent trip to South Africa, Zelenskyy firmly rejected any U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, maintaining Ukraine’s position that territorial concessions cannot be part of a just peace settlement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged ongoing negotiations but indicated significant unresolved issues remain, suggesting peace remains a distant prospect despite international diplomatic efforts. These developments collectively paint a grim picture of a conflict that continues to escalate with mounting civilian casualties.
