Zelensky says a North Korean ballistic missile hit and destroyed a family home in Radushne, killing six people. He urged investigations but said current information points to a North Korean missile and accused Moscow of collaborating with Pyongyang to obtain weapons and fighters. Ukrainian and Western intelligence allege North Korea has supplied missiles and heavy arms and deployed troops in 2024 and 2025. Kyiv warns that thousands more North Korean soldiers could be sent to support Russia.
Zelensky: Russia Used North Korean Ballistic Missile in Deadly Strike on Radushne Home
FILE PHOTO - Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, speaks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. (is associated with: «Zelensky: Russia fired North Korean ballistic missile in latest attack») Michael Kappeler/dpa-Pool/dpa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Russia used a North Korean ballistic missile in a heavy airstrike that destroyed a family home in Radushne, near Kryvyi Rih.
"There will of course be further investigations, everything will be verified, but based on current information, it is a North Korean ballistic missile," Zelensky said in a video address from Kyiv. Preliminary reports indicate six members of one family were killed; ten people had been living in the house, which was completely destroyed.
Allegations and Context
Zelensky accused Moscow of aligning with what he called the "insane regime in North Korea" to obtain weapons and personnel. Ukrainian and Western intelligence agencies have previously reported that Pyongyang supplied Moscow with ballistic missiles, artillery guns, rocket launchers and ammunition.
Reports also say North Korean soldiers were deployed in Russia in 2024 and 2025 to assist operations near the western Russian region of Kursk. Kyiv has warned that Pyongyang could again send thousands of soldiers to support Russian forces.
Investigations and Possible Implications
Ukrainian officials say investigations are ongoing to verify the provenance of the weapon and the full circumstances of the strike. If confirmed, the use of a North Korean missile would mark a significant escalation in the international dimension of the war and could prompt further diplomatic, legal and security responses from Kyiv's Western partners.
Preliminary casualty report: Six members of a family killed; the house was completely destroyed.
Authorities and independent monitors may take time to confirm the facts. This article will be updated as official findings and international assessments become available.
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