ON
← Back to feed
Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of using North Korean missiles
France🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive7 days ago

Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of using North Korean missiles

President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles during nighttime attacks on Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, which killed at least six people. He claimed the strikes involved North Korean ballistic missiles, Russian Zircon missiles, and guided aerial bombs, calling the attack 'brutal' designed to cause maximum damage. Zelensky also alleged up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed in Russia and that Moscow has received new ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. Official reports stated nine people were killed in recent Russian bombings across Ukraine. Regional military administration head Ivan Fedorov reported six deaths and 19 injuries in Zaporizhzhia due to damaged residential buildings. Zelensky previously warned of increased North Korean troop deployments and called on South Korea to cooperate with Ukraine on defense systems. A South Korean diplomat noted the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia violates UN Security Council resolutions, while a researcher suggested further North Korean deployments are likely due to Russia’s growing need for labor. The Russian army also launched drone and artillery attacks on five districts inD

Ukraine faces a severe winter power crisis due to ongoing Russian strikes, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who made the warning during a visit to Serbia. Speaking alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is virtually out of operational thermal power plants, leaving the country vulnerable as the heating season approaches. The situation comes amid reports of recent Russian attacks that have killed four people, including a child, in the Kyiv region. Zelensky described the attacks as deliberate efforts to make life for Ukrainians unbearable, emphasizing that Russian missiles frequently target critical energy infrastructure. The attacks occurred over the past 24 hours, combining both missile strikes and shelling of frontline areas, resulting in 13 deaths. Among the victims was a three-year-old boy killed in a village near Kyiv. According to Zelensky, the child’s parents, a 15-year-old sibling, and a neighbor who tried to help were injured in a subsequent explosion. These incidents highlight the escalating intensity of the conflict, with both sides launching increasingly sophisticated attacks that have led to a rising toll of civilian casualties. Zelensky reiterated his call for stronger international sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting the flow of missile components from nearly every continent, including from close allies. He emphasized the need for greater access to Western anti-aircraft systems such as the Patriot missile defense system, which he argued is essential to counter the growing threat posed by Russian long-range strikes. His remarks come as the United States and other Western nations continue to debate the extent of their military support for Ukraine. Serbia, a nation historically aligned with Russia, remains one of the few European countries not to impose sanctions on Moscow. Despite this, Vucic affirmed that his government’s policy toward Ukraine has not changed, stating there was no discussion of military cooperation during the meeting with Zelensky. However, he noted that future actions would depend on developments once the war concludes. Vucic also reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, even though he avoided formally endorsing the country’s position in the conflict. The recent attacks on Kyiv underscore the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy sector, which relies heavily on both nuclear and thermal power plants. With many thermal facilities damaged or destroyed, the country risks a dire shortage of electricity during the colder months. This challenge is compounded by the fact that Ukraine has been struggling to secure sufficient supplies of advanced weaponry, despite repeated requests for additional military aid from Western allies. In response to the escalating conflict, Zelensky has been traveling extensively around the world, seeking diplomatic and material support. His visit to Serbia marks a rare appearance in a country traditionally sympathetic to Russia. A senior Ukrainian official reportedly suggested that the visit aims to shift Serbia away from its alignment with Moscow, sending a message to Russian authorities. Meanwhile, Russian intelligence agencies have previously accused Serbian arms manufacturers of supplying weapons to Ukraine through third-party intermediaries, a claim that Vucic has consistently denied. As the war enters its fifth year, the frequency and scale of attacks from both sides show no signs of abating. The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with the potential for further escalation as winter approaches and the demand for reliable energy sources increases. The international community continues to grapple with how best to respond to the crisis, balancing humanitarian concerns with strategic considerations in the broader context of global security.

7 reports

France 24 (English) logoFrance 24 (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 787 days ago
Drone and missile strikes kill 19 in Russia and Ukraine

Drone and missile strikes killed 19 people in both Russia and Ukraine, according to authorities, as both sides increased long-range attacks on civilian infrastructure. In Russia, Ukrainian drones killed five people in the Rostov region, while additional casualties occurred in Belgorod, Kursk, and Moscow regions. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 822 drones overnight. In Ukraine, Russian strikes targeted a steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, killing two and injuring 14, and damaged critical infrastructure. Another strike in Kryvyi Rih killed one person, while other attacks caused casualties in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Donetsk. A missile strike in Kyiv destroyed a popular book market, prompting outrage. President Zelensky criticized Russia’s targeting of civilian areas and highlighted the scale of attacks, urging allies for more air defenses. He also linked the situation to global tensions, noting that European interceptors could not remain idle.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, detailing casualty figures, military actions, and political responses from both sides. It avoids overtly favoring either side, instead focusing on factual reporting of attacks, casualties, and diplomatic/軍

Why factuality (85): The article reports on drone and missile strikes causing casualties in both Russia and Ukraine, citing statements from regional governors and the defense ministry. It provides specific numbers and locations, aligning with cross-source reporting on increased long-range attacks. While it does not prov

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the events in a neutral tone but uses emotionally charged language such as 'pummelled civilian infrastructure' and 'one of the most massive drone attacks in recent memory.' It frames the attacks as significant without clearly indicating whose actions are being criticized, though

Africanews logoAfricanewsIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7810 days ago
Russian drone strikes passenger train in Odesa region, killing driver

On August 13, 2026, a Russian drone strike hit a passenger train in the Odesa region of Ukraine, killing the driver and his assistant. The incident occurred in the Berezivka district when a Russian jet-powered Shahed drone struck the locomotive of the Odesa-Dnipro train. Emergency services captured footage showing significant damage to the train, with passengers being evacuated via buses. Ukrainian Railways Chairman Oleksandr Pertsovskyi confirmed the attack, noting that despite efforts to stop the train, the drone's maneuver left insufficient time for evacuation. All 340 passengers were safely evacuated by 21 buses. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing the civilian casualties, and called for improved air defenses. Russia reportedly launched 133 drones overnight, with 111 intercepted, and other strikes injured six individuals across Ukraine.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a military attack with balanced reporting on both Ukrainian and Russian actions. It includes quotes from Ukrainian officials and mentions Russia's broader drone campaign without overtly favoring either side. The focus remains on the event itself rather than煽

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details such as the location (Odesa region), date (August 13, 2026), and casualties (driver and assistant killed). It cites a source (Ukrzaliznytsia chairman Oleksandr Pertsovskyi) and mentions the number of drones launched and intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. Wh

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the incident from a Ukrainian perspective, mentioning President Zelenskyy's response and the effectiveness of air defenses. While this is common in conflict reporting, it introduces a political angle through the mention of Zelenskyy's call for stronger defenses, which may reflec

France 24 (Français) logoFrance 24 (Français)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7012 days ago
Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of using North Korean missiles

President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles during nighttime attacks on Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, which killed at least six people. He claimed the strikes involved North Korean ballistic missiles, Russian Zircon missiles, and guided aerial bombs, calling the attack 'brutal' designed to cause maximum damage. Zelensky also alleged up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed in Russia and that Moscow has received new ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. Official reports stated nine people were killed in recent Russian bombings across Ukraine. Regional military administration head Ivan Fedorov reported six deaths and 19 injuries in Zaporizhzhia due to damaged residential buildings. Zelensky previously warned of increased North Korean troop deployments and called on South Korea to cooperate with Ukraine on defense systems. A South Korean diplomat noted the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia violates UN Security Council resolutions, while a researcher suggested further North Korean deployments are likely due to Russia’s growing need for labor. The Russian army also launched drone and artillery attacks on five districts inD

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the allegations against Russia as credible and emphasizes Zelensky's claims without significant counterpoint. It highlights the geopolitical implications of North Korea-Russia collaboration, aligning with Western narratives critical of Russian actions. While it cites some official

Why factuality (85): The article reports Zelensky's accusation that Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, citing his statement on X. It also mentions official casualty figures and quotes regional military administration sources. While there is no primary source document, the information

Why objectivity (70): The article presents Zelensky's accusations as direct statements without providing independent corroboration. It uses emotionally charged language like 'attaque brutale' and frames the situation in a way that emphasizes Ukraine's perspective. There is a clear bias towards portraying Russia as respon

France 24 (English) logoFrance 24 (English)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 75Objective 8015 days ago
Ukraine braces for winter power crisis after Russian strikes, Zelensky says

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned during a visit to Serbia that Ukraine faces a severe winter power crisis due to Russian strikes damaging thermal power plants, leaving the country with virtually no functioning facilities to complement its nuclear energy grid. The attacks, which killed four people including a child in the Kyiv region, have intensified over the past four years, with Moscow using long-range ballistic missiles and Ukraine retaliating with drones. Zelensky called for stricter sanctions against global suppliers of missile components and greater access to Western defense systems like the U.S.-made Patriot interceptors. Serbia, which has not imposed sanctions on Russia, continues to provide non-military aid to Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic neutrality. Vucic reiterated Serbia’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity but emphasized that military cooperation remains off-limits.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the conflict through Ukraine's perspective, emphasizing the humanitarian impact of Russian strikes and the need for international support. It highlights Zelensky's appeals for sanctions and military aid, portraying Russia as the aggressor and Serbia as a reluctant ally. The focus,

Why factuality (75): The article reports Zelensky's statements about Ukraine's winter power crisis following Russian strikes, citing specific casualty numbers and locations. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the ongoing conflict and the impact of Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. However, th

Why objectivity (80): The article presents information in a neutral tone, reporting both sides of the conflict without overt bias. It includes quotes from Zelensky and mentions the international context, maintaining a balanced perspective.

France 24 (Français) logoFrance 24 (Français)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 75Objective 8015 days ago
Ukraine: Zelensky warns that winter will be difficult, deadly strikes in Kiev region

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned during his first visit to Serbia, an ally of Moscow, that Ukraine faces a harsh winter due to nearly all thermal power plants being damaged by Russian attacks. The warning came after recent nighttime strikes in the Kyiv region killed four people, including a child. Zelensky described Russian missile attacks as targeting Ukrainian civilians, emphasizing the destruction of energy infrastructure since February 2022. He called for stricter sanctions against Russia, particularly to block missile components arriving from around the world, including from close allies. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reiterated Serbia’s stance of not imposing sanctions on Russia while continuing non-military support to Ukraine, stating cooperation would depend on the war's outcome.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation through Zelensky's perspective, highlighting the humanitarian impact of Russian attacks and calling for stronger international sanctions. It emphasizes the vulnerability of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and portrays Russia's actions as deliberate attempts to harm平民

Why factuality (75): The French version accurately reflects the English report, providing similar details about Zelensky's warnings and the casualties caused by Russian strikes. The mention of specific locations and numbers aligns with the cross-source consensus. Again, without a primary source, some specifics remain un

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains an objective tone, presenting Zelensky's concerns and the situation in Ukraine without apparent bias. It includes contextual information about the conflict and the international response, keeping the narrative balanced.

France 24 (English) logoFrance 24 (English)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 75Objective 6512 days ago
🔴 Live: Zelensky says Russia fired North Korean missiles at Zaporizhzhia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed during a live update that Russia launched North Korean missiles in an overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia, resulting in six deaths and 19 injuries. The report noted that Russia intercepted 456 Ukrainian drones in attacks across 15 regions, including Crimea. Zelensky also suggested up to 50,000 North Korean troops might be deployed to Russia, indicating increased military collaboration. Additionally, Russian strikes on Sumy caused at least five casualties and damage to residential areas. The article cites multiple international news agencies but does not provide direct links to specific sources.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation through Zelensky’s claims, emphasizing potential North Korean involvement and Russian aggression. It highlights Ukrainian casualties and military actions while citing Western-aligned news agencies (Reuters, AP, AFP), which aligns with a left-leaning perspective. The措

Why factuality (75): The article reports Zelensky's claim that Russia used North Korean missiles in an attack on Zaporizhzhia, citing multiple sources including Reuters, AP, and AFP. While there is no primary source document, the claim aligns with the cross-source consensus among French media outlets. However, the speci

Why objectivity (65): The article presents Zelensky's assertion as a direct quote but frames it within a broader context of military activity. The tone is generally neutral, though it emphasizes the gravity of the situation through phrases like 'killed six and wounded 19,' which may carry some emotional weight.

France 24 (Français) logoFrance 24 (Français)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 75Objective 6512 days ago
🔴 Live: Zelensky claims that Russia has used "North Korean ballistic missiles"

On August 5, 2026, a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine killed at least six people and injured 20, according to local authorities. President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed during a live broadcast that Russia used 'North Korean ballistic missiles' in the strike. Residents in Kyiv reported explosions after a missile warning was issued. The report cites French news outlet France 24 as the source, which references Associated Press (AFP) and Reuters for additional information.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the claim by Ukrainian President Zelensky about North Korean involvement in the missile attack as a significant development, emphasizing the accusation against Russia. While the article does not overtly take a political stance, the focus on Zelensky’s assertion and the context of俄

Why factuality (75): This French version of the article mirrors the English version, reporting Zelensky's claim about North Korean missiles used by Russia. It also cites AFP and Reuters, supporting the cross-source consensus. Like the English version, it lacks a primary source document, and the attribution to North Kore

Why objectivity (65): The French article maintains a similar tone to the English version, presenting Zelensky's statements without overt bias. However, the phrasing 'missiles balistiques nord-coréens' carries a certain level of emphasis, potentially influencing reader perception.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories