Foreign-made components, predominantly American, used in missile that claimed 12 lives in Kyiv, according to Zelenskyy.
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Zelenskyy slams international response to Russia's use of North Korean missiles on civilians
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid into the international community for their lackluster response to Russia's use of a North Korean-made ballistic missile to target civilians in Kyiv, which claimed lives and injured numerous others on 24 April. The missile was discovered to contain at least 116 components sourced from various countries, with most hailing from US manufacturers.
Zelenskyy highlighted the glaring issue that the lack of pressure on Russia allows it to acquire and deploy such weapons, not only on Ukrainian soil but also in Europe. He emphasized the necessity of increasing pressure on Russia to end the war and the killing of innocent civilians.
The Missile Details
Though the investigation into the missile is ongoing, it is already clear that it was a ballistic missile from North Korea. Zelenskyy maintained gratitude towards Ukraine's partners for supporting the defense of civilian lives, supplying air defense systems, missiles, and applying pressure on Russia and its accomplices.
However, Zelenskyy urged for a more comprehensive solution, emphasizing the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from Russia. He reiterated Ukraine's commitment to making a ceasefire, which had been proposed by President Trump 45 days prior, and for extending it to establish an overall peace.
Background
After the completion of search and rescue operations at the site of the Russian strike on 24 April, it was confirmed that the attack resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians and nearly 90 injuries in Kyiv. More than 30 injured individuals are currently hospitalized, some with severe injuries and amputations [1].
[Source: Zelenskyy on social media]
North Korea's Export Relationship with Russia
While there is no direct evidence that North Korea exported ballistic missiles specifically intended for use against civilians in Kyiv, North Korea has a history of supplying Russia with military equipment. This exchange includes hundreds of short-range missiles in exchange for advanced air defense systems and other military technologies [2][3].
The types of missiles involved in this cooperation have been identified as the KN-23 and potentially the Pukguksong-2 (KN-15), although the latter is a medium-range ballistic missile [1][4]. It's important to note that North Korea's military production, including missile development, is predominantly reliant on indigenous capabilities and imports from other countries.
[References][1] BBC News[2] Reuters[3] Washington Post[4] Arms Control Wonk
- The lack of a robust international response to Russia's use of North Korean missiles on civilians in Ukraine, as criticized by President Zelenskyy, is a significant concern within the realm of war-and-conflicts and general news.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, it's undeniable that the missile used in the attack on Kyiv was a North Korean ballistic missile, and its components were sourced from various countries, including the US.
- In politics, President Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from Russia, citing the recent attack on civilians as a prime example of the ongoing war's dire consequences.
- The history of military equipment exchange between North Korea and Russia, revealed through various reports, raises concerns about the potential use of such weapons against civilians, a matter that lies at the intersection of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news.
