KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Thursday that he would end his official visit to South Africa prematurely and return to Kyiv following a deadly Russian missile and drone assault on the capital.
The strike, described as the most intense attack on Kyiv so far this year, left at least eight people dead, more than 70 injured, and several buildings reduced to rubble. The nighttime barrage marked a grim escalation in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskiy, who had been in South Africa to strengthen diplomatic ties and rally support for Ukraine’s defense, confirmed his decision to return via a statement on Telegram. “After concluding talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, I will depart immediately for Kyiv,” he said.
He added that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister would remain in South Africa to continue high-level discussions and ensure that the country’s leaders are fully briefed on the evolving security situation in Ukraine.
The latest attack underscores the urgency of Ukraine’s plea for continued international support as it faces renewed Russian offensives across multiple fronts.