On 24 April 2025, the Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, as part of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. A KN‑23 ballistic missile, produced in North Korea, struck a residential high-rise in the Sviatoshynskyi District, killing 13 civilians and injuring over 90.
The strike was the deadliest on Kyiv since mid-2023 and came amid a renewed wave of Russian aerial assaults across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a war crime, citing the use of foreign-supplied weaponry, and called for increased military aid and sanctions against both Russia and North Korea. The incident drew international condemnation and highlighted growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Background.
In the days leading up to the strike, Russian forces intensified missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. On 24 April, Russia launched a wide-scale aerial assault—including 66 ballistic/cruise missiles and 145 Shahed/decoy drones—on Kyiv and surrounding oblasts, amid stalled peace negotiations.
Details of the attack.
At approximately 1–2 a.m. local time, a KN‑23 short-range ballistic missile struck the Sviatoshynskyi District of Kyiv, destroying a section of a 12‑story residential building and damaging multiple nearby structures. Emergency services rescued people trapped under rubble. At least 13 civilians—including 17‑year‑old Danylo Khudia and his parents—were confirmed dead. More than 90 people were injured.
Ukrainian response.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a war crime, cut short his visit to South Africa, and returned to Kyiv. He confirmed the missile was of North Korean origin (KN‑23) and called for increased sanctions and military support.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that over 30 residential buildings were damaged and emphasized the need to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses.
Further investigation.
Military analysts from Ukraine, the U.S., and OSINT groups such as the Institute for the Study of War confirmed debris and trajectory consistent with the KN‑23 missile. This raised concerns over increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
International reactions.
Governments.
 – Former President Donald Trump criticized the strikes on Truth Social, urging Putin to “STOP!” and calling the attack “badly timed and unnecessary.”
 – Chancellor Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and pledged additional IRIS-T air defense systems.
 – The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called for UN action and tougher sanctions on Russia and North Korea.
 – Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
International organisations.
 – UN Resident Coordinator Matthias Schmale described the attack as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.
Amnesty International – Amnesty stated that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute war crimes under international law.
See also.
Russian missile strikes during the invasion of Ukraine
War crimes during the Russian invasion of Ukraine
North Korea–Russia relations
2025 in Ukraine