Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cut short his official visit to South Africa following a deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv. The attacks resulted in at least 12 deaths and prompted international condemnation. Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for the attacks to cease immediately and unconditionally.
Zelensky, who had just arrived in Pretoria, announced his decision to return to Ukraine after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He expressed his dismay on social media, noting that the attacks occurred despite Ukraine's agreement to a ceasefire 44 days prior. The EU also condemned the attacks, stating that Russia speaks a language of violence and terror, not peace.
The Kremlin stated that Donald Trump's position on Crimea aligns with Russia's. Trump himself urged Putin to stop the attacks on Kyiv, highlighting the high number of casualties. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military industries, while Sergei Shoigu warned of potential nuclear weapon use in case of aggression against Russia or Belarus.