Zelensky cuts South Africa trip short after deadly Kyiv attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has abruptly cancelled a portion of his diplomatic visit to South Africa and is returning to Ukraine after a devastating overnight Russian missile and drone barrage struck the capital, Kyiv, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 80, including children.

The attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure across Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday, local officials said. Emergency services continued to pull survivors from the rubble throughout the morning amid reports of “significant destruction.”

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky confirmed his decision to cut short his trip, saying he would return to Ukraine “immediately” after a planned meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit had been part of a broader diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine among Global South nations.

“Following the barbaric attack on Kyiv, I am urgently returning to Ukraine,” Zelensky wrote. “Our emergency services are working tirelessly to save lives. We will not be broken.”

President Ramaphosa expressed solidarity with Ukraine during the bilateral talks, condemning the missile strike and reiterating South Africa’s support for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

This latest assault highlights the continuing volatility of the war as Russia intensifies aerial strikes amid Ukraine’s requests for more air defense systems. The attack comes just days after renewed Western pledges of military aid, including long-range missile systems from the United States and Germany.

Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted several incoming drones and missiles but that some managed to breach defenses, causing widespread damage in multiple Kyiv neighborhoods.

The international community has reacted swiftly to the attack, with leaders from the EU and NATO condemning the escalation and calling for increased support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

As rescue operations continue in Kyiv, President Zelensky is expected to arrive back in the country within hours to oversee the response and coordinate with his national security team.