In a devastating escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of utilizing a missile manufactured in North Korea during a recent strike on Kiev that resulted in significant casualties. On the night of April 23, 2025, at least 12 people were killed and 90 others injured in one of the most severe missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital to date.
Zelensky made the accusation public via Facebook, stating, "According to preliminary information, the Russians used a ballistic missile made in North Korea. Our special services are verifying all the details." This assertion comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing violence, with the Ukrainian presidency condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin for what they described as a desire to kill.
As the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, has publicly criticized Zelensky, suggesting that his remarks about Crimea are incendiary and detrimental to peace negotiations. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Zelensky's stance, stating, "We are very close to an agreement, but this man who does not hold the cards must now conclude." This comment reflects Trump's ongoing involvement in the peace process, as he claims to have a potential agreement with Russia that requires Zelensky's approval.
French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in on the situation, asserting that the status of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, is not a matter for discussion at this time. "The question of the status of Crimea does not pose a problem 'not now'," Macron stated, emphasizing that it is not up to them to make decisions regarding the territory.
In a show of solidarity, Macron also criticized Putin, demanding that he stop lying about his intentions for peace while continuing military operations against Ukraine. "When he speaks to American negotiators or the world, he claims to want peace, but he continues to bomb Ukraine and kill lives," Macron said.
In the wake of the missile strikes, Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine's position on Crimea, declaring that they will not concede recognition of the peninsula as Russian. "We are doing everything our partners have proposed, except what contradicts our legislation and Constitution," he told reporters during a press conference in Pretoria, South Africa, where he was visiting at the time of the attacks.
As the conflict continues, Zelensky lamented the lack of strong pressure on Russia to cease its aggression. He stated, "We believe that with more pressure on Russia, we will be able to bring the parties closer to an unconditional ceasefire." This sentiment was echoed by many international leaders who are calling for a unified response to the ongoing violence.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the recent attacks, labeling them cruel and a stark reminder of the bloodshed perpetrated by Putin. "These are not the actions of a man of peace," Lammy asserted, underscoring the international community's growing frustration with Russia's continued military aggression.
In a related development, Kaja Kallas, the European Commission's Vice-President, stated that Russia is the real obstacle to peace, not Ukraine. "While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kiev. This isn't a pursuit of peace; it’s a mockery of it," she remarked.
The Russian government, however, maintains that their military actions are aimed at targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure, asserting that they have conducted a massive attack with precision long-range weapons against several companies linked to Ukraine's military-industrial complex. This justification has been met with skepticism by many, who argue that civilian areas are being disproportionately affected.
Meanwhile, a Russian military tribunal sentenced former general Ivan Popov to five years in prison for fraud, a move seen by some as a purge for his criticisms of military operations in Ukraine.
As the conflict escalates, Zelensky has announced that he will be cutting short his visit to South Africa to return to Ukraine, signaling the urgency of the situation back home. "I will cancel part of this visit and return immediately to Ukraine after my meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa," he stated.
In the aftermath of the missile strikes, Zelensky has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing that it has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire proposed by the United States. "For 44 days, Russia has continued to kill our people and evade tough pressure and accountability for its actions," he lamented.
As the international community watches closely, the situation remains fluid, with negotiations ongoing and a desperate need for a resolution to the conflict. The stakes are high, with the potential for further loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crises looming as the fighting continues.
