As the world hoped for a breakthrough in peace talks, Ukraine woke up to devastation.
A brutal overnight missile and drone strike on Kyiv turned deadly, leaving at least 12 people killed and more than 100 injured.
The Ukrainian capital endured over 11 hours of bombardment, marking the deadliest assault on the city in nearly a year.
And this wasn’t just any attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that a ballistic missile used in the strike may have come from North Korea—a chilling new twist in an already complex war.
Zelensky Links North Korea to the Attack
Speaking out on social media, Zelensky dropped a bombshell: “According to preliminary information, the Russians used a ballistic missile manufactured in North Korea.”
Ukraine’s intelligence services are currently working to verify the details, but if true, the implications are serious.
Zelensky didn’t hold back, condemning the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea as a “criminal” partnership.
“They kill people and torment lives together – that is the only meaning behind their cooperation,” he stated.
Trump Reacts with Frustration Toward Putin
Across the ocean, former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in—this time, with an unusually blunt message to Vladimir Putin. “Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying.
Let’s get the peace deal DONE!” he posted on his platform, Truth Social.
Trump added that he was “not happy” with the timing or necessity of the strike, especially considering ongoing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
The statement marked a rare moment of public frustration from Trump toward the Russian leader.
Kyiv Under Siege: One of the Most Sophisticated Attacks Yet
Ukraine reported that the Russian military launched 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four air-to-surface missiles, and 145 drones—including decoys—during the assault.
Zelensky called it “one of the most sophisticated, most brazen” attacks since the invasion began three years ago.
Officials confirmed the missiles targeted Kyiv and four other regions across Ukraine, pushing residents into shelters for nearly half a day.
The attack, according to Zelensky, was meant to “pressure the United States” and disrupt diplomatic momentum.
Ceasefire Proposal Ignored as Peace Hangs by a Thread
Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine had already accepted a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal over a month ago.
“We agreed 44 days ago as a first step to peace,” he said, frustrated by Moscow’s continued aggression.
Despite some optimism from Trump earlier this week, claiming a peace deal was “very close,” Zelensky made it clear that Kyiv won’t bow to demands that contradict Ukrainian law—particularly when it comes to Crimea.
Crimea Standoff: Zelensky Holds Firm Against Trump’s Criticism
Crimea remains the sticking point in any potential peace agreement.
Trump recently criticised Zelensky for refusing to hand over the Black Sea peninsula to Russia—a move Trump called essential for peace.
But Zelensky isn’t budging. “We do everything our partners propose, except what goes against our Constitution,” he said, reaffirming Ukraine’s position that Crimea belongs to them and not Moscow.
White House Pressure Backfires on Ukraine Talks
The White House, under Trump’s direction, has reportedly pressured Ukraine to make concessions—including surrendering territory like Crimea.
Vice President JD Vance even warned Kyiv that continued refusal might push the U.S. to “walk away” from support.
Tensions boiled over when two of Trump’s top peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, abruptly pulled out of a key meeting in London.
They were replaced at the last minute by a lesser-known envoy, signaling U.S. frustration.
Russia Gains Leverage While U.S. Allies Worry
To make matters worse, Witkoff was reportedly on his way to Moscow for a face-to-face with Putin—a move raising eyebrows in both Kyiv and Washington.
The sudden shift has also put pressure on America’s alliance with the UK, a longtime Ukraine supporter.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the missile strike, calling it more proof that “Putin is the aggressor here.” Meanwhile, France’s Emmanuel Macron accused Putin of deceiving the world.
“He says he wants peace, then keeps bombing Ukraine,” Macron said bluntly.
Zelensky Cuts Trip Short, Returns from South Africa
Zelensky was visiting South Africa and meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa when the missiles struck.
He immediately announced he would cut his trip short and return to Kyiv, clearly shaken but resolute.
“Russia is putting pressure not only on our people but on the United States as well,” he told reporters in South Africa, linking the attack directly to ongoing peace negotiations and international diplomacy.
The Global Stakes Keep Rising
With NATO ally Norway stepping up its involvement and U.S. influence appearing divided, global tensions are intensifying.
Trump is set to meet Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war, while Macron and other European leaders push harder for an unconditional ceasefire from Putin.
One thing is clear—Zelensky is standing firm, Putin isn’t backing down, and Trump’s efforts to broker peace seem to be hanging by a thread.