Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cut short his official visit to South Africa following a devastating Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that resulted in at least nine deaths and over 70 injuries. The assault, one of the deadliest on the Ukrainian capital in recent months, involved more than 200 missiles and drones, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting over 100 of them. Despite these efforts, 13 locations across the city suffered significant damage, including residential areas. Interior Minister Igor Klymenko reported that more than 70 people were injured, and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency services search through the debris. Two children remain unaccounted for .
In response to the attack, President Zelenskyy announced his immediate return to Kyiv. He had just concluded talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, where they discussed the importance of uniting global efforts to apply pressure on Russia for the sake of peace. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and that any peace efforts must respect its territorial integrity .
The timing of the attack coincided with heightened diplomatic efforts, including peace talks scheduled in London. U.S. President Donald Trump had recently criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea as part of a peace agreement, accusing him of prolonging the conflict. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected such proposals, asserting that conceding Ukrainian territory is unacceptable .
As the situation in Kyiv remains dire, international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations continue to grow.