Ukraine demands Western response to possible North Korean deployment

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday called for an international response in the face of new civilian casualties and the possible deployment of North Korean soldiers on the Russian side.

"Ukraine will be forced to fight North Korea in Europe," Zelensky said in his evening video message.

He argued that the lack of decisive action by Ukraine's partners only motivates Russian President Vladimir Putin to further "terror."

"Abstractions and words are not enough. Concrete steps are needed," Zelensky emphasized.

The Ukrainian leader recently demanded a number of immediate measures by Western allies as part of his "victory plan."

The steps include an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and the rearmament of Ukraine with Western financial resources.

"We expect stronger support for Ukraine," Zelensky said.

Kiev has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than two and a half years with Western help.

In the latest attacks on Friday night, Russian missiles and drones killed at least five people and injured more than two dozen in the city of Dnipro and the capital Kiev.