ZELENSKYY CUTS SHORT SOUTH AFRICA TRIP AFTER DEADLY STRIKE FROM RUSSIA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has abruptly ended his visit to South Africa after a devastating missile and drone attack by Russia killed at least nine people and injured more than 70 in Kyiv. Zelenskyy had been in South Africa to rally diplomatic support from G20 President Cyril Ramaphosa, but said he was returning to Kyiv immediately to oversee rescue and defense operations.
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched a massive barrage: 66 missiles, four air-to-surface projectiles, and 145 drones targeted Kyiv and four other regions. Five neighborhoods in the capital were hit. More than 80 people across Ukraine were injured, and 42 were hospitalized in Kyiv alone. “Regrettably, nine people have been killed,” Zelenskyy said in a somber update.
He has ordered Ukraine’s Defense Ministry to accelerate appeals to partners for more air defense systems and emphasized that the attacks showed Russia’s rejection of peace efforts. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal over a month ago, but Russian aggression persisted.
While Zelenskyy flew back, his foreign minister remained in South Africa to update political and civil society leaders on the worsening situation. Zelenskyy emphasized his commitment to reclaiming all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “only wanting to continue the war.”
