Zelensky Cuts South Africa Trip Short After Deadly Attack on Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has abruptly curtailed his official visit to South Africa following a devastating Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv. The overnight attack, one of the deadliest since July, resulted in at least nine fatalities and over 70 injuries, including six children.
Nearly 70 missiles and approximately 150 drones targeted residential areas, causing significant damage and prompting widespread evacuations.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Zelensky has returned to Kyiv to oversee emergency operations and coordinate international support. The Ukrainian government has condemned the attack as a blatant violation of international law and a deliberate act of aggression.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that Russia’s actions undermine peace efforts and called for increased pressure on Moscow.
The timing of the assault coincides with ongoing peace negotiations, during which former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized President Zelensky for rejecting territorial concessions, including the recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s position, emphasizing that its territorial integrity is non-negotiable under both the nation’s constitution and international law.
This escalation underscores the fragile state of diplomatic efforts and the enduring humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. As the situation develops, global leaders continue to monitor the conflict, urging restraint and renewed commitment to peace.
Trump agrees that Ukraine war must end ‘as soon as possible’ – Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Zelensky are now meeting in Pretoria. But not long before the pair met, the South African president confirmed that he had spoken to US President Donald Trump recently about the peace process in Ukraine.
In a post on X, Ramaphosa said he and Trump “both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible”.
He says the two men will soon meet to address “the need to foster good relations between our two countries
For context: US-South Africa relations have deteriorated sharply since Trump returned to power in mid-January. Trump has cut all aid to the country and says that members of South Africa’s white, Afrikaner community would be granted refugee status in the US because of the persecution he says they face at home.