On April 24, 2025, Kyiv experienced its deadliest missile attack in nearly a year when a Russian strike hit the Sviatoshynskyi district, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and injuring 90 others, including children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that preliminary information indicates the missile used was a North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missile, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s military tactics .
This incident underscores the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Investigations reveal that North Korea has supplied Russia with substantial military aid, including over 140 short-range ballistic missiles like the KN-23 and KN-24, artillery shells, and multiple-launch rocket systems. Analysts estimate that North Korean supplies now account for up to 70% of the munitions used by Russian artillery units .
The international community has expressed alarm over this development. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to “STOP!” the violence and highlighting the detrimental impact on ongoing peace negotiations . Despite these tensions, the Kremlin has indicated a willingness to negotiate, though it seeks “fine-tuned” terms, which the U.S. aims to counter, especially Russia’s demand for Ukrainian demilitarization
