Russian strikes kill 12 in Ukraine; Zelenskyy alleges North Korean missiles used

KYIV — Russian forces launched a series of deadly attacks across Ukraine on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes, which targeted multiple regions including the southern city of Zaporizhzhia and an industrial steel plant, have drawn a sharp allegation from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: that Moscow is now using North Korean-supplied missiles in its campaign.

Zelenskyy made the claim in a statement following the attacks, asserting that debris and preliminary analysis pointed to North Korean origin. He provided no immediate visual evidence, and Russian officials have not commented on the accusation. If confirmed, the use of such weapons would mark a new phase in the conflict, signalling deeper military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Deadly toll across multiple regions

The deadliest reported incident came in Zaporizhzhia, where a Russian strike killed five people and wounded 20 others, according to regional authorities. Rescue teams worked through the rubble of a residential area, with local officials describing scenes of panic and destruction.

Separately, a strike on a steel plant in an undisclosed location killed seven people, according to Ukrainian reports. The plant, a key industrial facility, was hit during a barrage that also triggered air raid sirens across the country. Casualty figures could rise as search operations continue.

Kyiv hit by explosions after missile alert

In the capital, Kyiv, multiple blasts were heard after a missile alert was issued in the early hours. Ukrainian air defence systems were reported to be active, though officials have not yet confirmed the extent of damage or any casualties in the capital. Witnesses described loud booms and streaks of light in the sky, with some debris falling in residential districts.

The attacks come amid an intensification of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and urban centres, a pattern that has persisted through the summer months. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly appealed for more advanced air defence systems from Western allies to counter such barrages.

North Korean missiles: a new dimension

Zelenskyy's allegation, if substantiated, would add a fresh layer to the conflict's international dimensions. North Korea has faced international sanctions over its missile and nuclear programmes, and any transfer of weapons to Russia would likely violate United Nations resolutions. Western intelligence agencies have previously warned of growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, though concrete evidence of missile transfers has been limited.

Ukrainian officials have said they are working to document the origin of the missiles used in Tuesday's attacks. Analysts note that North Korean missiles have been used in other conflicts, but their deployment in Ukraine would represent a significant escalation in the war's weaponry.

International reaction and next steps

The international community has yet to respond formally to Zelenskyy's claim. The United States and European Union have condemned recent Russian strikes, with officials in Washington reiterating support for Ukraine's defence. However, no new military aid packages have been announced in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday's attacks.

For now, Ukrainian cities remain on alert, with authorities urging residents to heed air raid warnings. The coming days are likely to see further assessment of the missile debris and continued diplomatic efforts to address the alleged North Korean involvement.

As the conflict grinds on, the focus will shift to whether Zelenskyy's accusation prompts a stronger international response, and whether Russia's use of foreign-supplied missiles changes the calculus for Ukraine's allies.