Zelensky Cuts South Africa Trip Short as Russian Missiles Rain Down on Kyiv

Thursday began with tragedy for Ukraine as a wave of Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 70. The assault sent shockwaves through the capital and forced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to abruptly cut short his diplomatic trip to South Africa.

Zelensky, who had just met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, announced he would return to Ukraine immediately in the wake of the deadly attacks. The Ukrainian leader condemned the strikes, reiterating his call for an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks on civilian targets.

“The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally,” he said in a statement, sharing on social media that it has now been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire — and 44 days of continued Russian bombardment.

“It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes… And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people,” he wrote on X.

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Kyiv, which has benefited from stronger air defense systems compared to many other Ukrainian cities, has seen fewer deadly attacks in recent months. But Thursday’s barrage shattered that fragile sense of security. Rescue teams rushed to the scene of multiple collapsed buildings, searching for survivors trapped beneath rubble.

Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed that while initial reports placed the death toll at nine, the number was later revised to eight. “Rescuers are still working through the wreckage,” he said, describing the devastation left behind.

Among those shaken by the attack was Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer in Kyiv. She described the terrifying moments as the missiles struck. “Windows shattered, and doors were literally blown off their hinges,” she told AFP. “People were being pulled out of the rubble. They said there were dead bodies inside.”

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The strike came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Zelensky for refusing to accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea as part of a peace agreement — a stance that has intensified friction between Ukraine and some U.S. political leaders. Trump claimed that a deal with Moscow was near and accused Zelensky of being a roadblock to peace.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained silent on Zelensky’s repeated proposals to halt attacks on civilians. Last month, he rejected a U.S.-Ukrainian call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, further dimming hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough.

As rescue efforts continue and families mourn their losses, the reality on the ground in Ukraine remains unchanged: even in the face of calls for peace, the bombs are still falling.