Zelenskyy returns from South Africa to Ukraine immediately due to Russian attack

The President of Ukraine commented on the Russian attack on Ukraine, recalling that Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire 44 days ago. But Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and responsibility for this.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian attack caused a lot of destruction, and rescue operations are underway. In total, over 80 people in Ukraine were injured in the Russian strikes. Russia killed 9 people in Kyiv.

"There was a report from the military command. I instructed the Minister of Defense of Ukraine to immediately contact our partners regarding our requests to strengthen air defenses," the head of state said.

Zelenskyy added that he would inform South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who holds the G20 presidency, about the situation and the need to intensify global diplomatic efforts. The President of Ukraine emphasized that an immediate and unconditional cessation of the strikes is needed. Zelenskyy also counts on South Africa's assistance in humanitarian issues, including the return of prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

"I am canceling part of the program for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa," the President said.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine's Foreign Minister will hold all necessary meetings in South Africa to fully inform the country's political and civic leaders about the situation.

The previous evening, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady arrived in South Africa. According to the head of state, he was scheduled to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, representatives of political, civic, and student communities in Africa.

Russia massively attacked Ukraine

On the night of April 24, the Russians launched a new massive attack on Ukraine. The Russians fired 70 missiles of various types, including ballistic missiles, and 145 drones. Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 48 missiles and 64 drones. Another 68 Russian imitator drones were lost in the area.

The main focus of Russia's attack was Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine was attacked by missiles and drones. The consequences of the Russian attack were recorded in 5 districts of Kyiv. A residential building was partially destroyed in the Sviatoshynskyi district. The rubble is being cleared, and people may be trapped under it.

According to the latest reports, 9 people were killed in Kyiv as a result of the Russian attack, and over 70 people were wounded.

Russia also attacked Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other regions. Read more about the consequences of the Russian attack in RBC-Ukraine's report.