On April 24, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abruptly curtailed his diplomatic visit to South Africa following a devastating Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. The assault resulted in at least nine fatalities and over 70 injuries, marking one of the most severe strikes on the Ukrainian capital in recent months .
A Devastating Assault on Kyiv
In the early hours of April 24, Russian forces launched a large-scale aerial attack on Kyiv, deploying approximately 70 missiles and 150 drones. The Ukrainian air force managed to intercept a significant number of these projectiles; however, several penetrated the defenses, causing extensive damage across multiple districts .
Residential areas bore the brunt of the attack, with buildings reduced to rubble and emergency services working tirelessly to rescue survivors. The Sviatoshynskyi district was among the hardest hit, leaving residents in shock and mourning .
Zelenskyy’s Swift Return
President Zelenskyy, who was in South Africa to strengthen diplomatic ties and garner support against Russian aggression, announced his immediate return to Ukraine upon learning of the attack. In a statement, he emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for international support to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses .
During his brief stay, Zelenskyy met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the ongoing conflict and the importance of global solidarity in the face of such aggression. He delegated further diplomatic engagements to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister to continue informing South African officials about the situation .
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The international community reacted swiftly to the attack. The United Nations condemned the strike as a violation of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that civilians must never be targeted .
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Zelenskyy for not conceding Crimea in peace negotiations, suggesting that Ukraine should accept a peace deal to avoid further destruction. Zelenskyy responded firmly, reaffirming Ukraine’s stance on not recognizing Russian occupation of its territory .
The Human Toll
The attack left a deep scar on Kyiv’s residents. Families were forced to seek shelter in basements and metro stations as explosions rocked the city. Anastasiia Zhuravlova, a mother of two, recounted the harrowing experience of sheltering with her children as their home was damaged by the blasts .
Emergency services reported that over 70 individuals were injured, including six children, and numerous residential buildings were damaged or destroyed .
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