Zelenskyy vows to return to Ukraine after deadly Russian strike on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to cut short his visit to South Africa and return to Ukraine following a deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv that left at least nine people dead and over 70 wounded.

Speaking from South Africa, where he is holding talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelenskyy condemned the assault and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. In a message shared in Ukrainian and English on social media, he reiterated that Ukraine had agreed to a US-backed ceasefire 44 days ago, while accusing Russia of continuing its campaign of violence.

“For 44 days, Ukraine has upheld the ceasefire. For 44 days, Russia has continued to kill,” he said, calling on the international community to recognize the reality on the ground and take stronger action against Moscow.

Zelenskyy said he would update President Ramaphosa – currently chair of the Big 20 group – on the unfolding situation and Ukraine’s needs, before returning to Kyiv to oversee the response to the attacks.

Emergency officials in Ukraine reported that the Russian strikes caused significant destruction in Kyiv and nearly ten other regions. Spokesman Pavlo Petrov confirmed the recovery of eight identified bodies and additional remains, possibly belonging to a ninth victim. Dozens of others remain hospitalized.

The bombardment damaged homes, schools, hospitals, administrative offices, industrial facilities, and railway infrastructure.

Zelenskyy also shared video footage of the attack, urging the world to see the scale of the destruction for itself.