Ukraine is facing attacks from newly supplied North Korean ballistic missiles, with fears that Pyongyang is being drawn deeper into the war. The missiles, now used by Russia, come amid concerns that Kim Jong Un may send more troops to the frontline.
Ukraine reported that July was the deadliest month for civilians in two and a half years, with at least 634 civilians killed in strikes on civilian infrastructure. More than 4,590 people were injured, and around 30% of the fatalities occurred in Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories.
Overnight Strikes Hit Kherson and Zaporizhzhia
In a new onslaught, two people were killed overnight in Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia was also hit. Russia struck a shopping center in Zaporizhzhia, a day after a missile attack on the city that included North Korean-supplied ballistic weapons. The latest strike caused extensive damage to a store, while two women were killed in Kherson.
Vladimir Putin and Kim signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024, pledging mutual aid if either faced aggression. Since then, thousands of North Korean troops are believed to have entered the front, and Kyiv's forces have taken several prisoners.
Zelensky Appeals for Better Air Defences
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his advisors have handed the US fresh proposals for peace as he appealed for better air defences. In his nightly address, he said: “There was a report from our negotiating team. We passed our proposals to the American side. America can help strengthen our defence, first and foremost through air defence, and it can put pressure on Russia so that its plans change – from prolonging the war to preparing to end it.”
Ukraine has run desperately short of US-made Patriot missiles, needed to intercept Kremlin ballistic missiles whose speed and steep trajectory make them difficult to shoot down.
Concern Over North Korea's Missile Testing
There is growing concern that North Korea could be using Ukraine as a testing lab for new missile technology, putting its neighbours in danger. Zelensky said: "The more North Korean strikes there are here in Ukraine, in Europe, the more their missiles and soldiers are used, the more they correct their shortcomings and blind spots, the greater the danger will later be for Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and other countries in the region."
He added: "Every step Russia takes — increasing ballistic missile production, bringing in North Korean equipment, preparing for mobilization — all of this shows that Moscow is preparing not for peace, but for escalation." Washington is continuing efforts to revive negotiations, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to engage both Kyiv and Moscow.
