Vitaly Sayenko10:52, 25.04.25

The head of state intends to immediately return to Ukraine after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is canceling part of his visit to South Africa due to the Russian night-time shelling . The head of state announced this on the social network Facebook.

“Forty-four days since Ukraine agreed to a complete ceasefire and strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. Forty-four days since Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and responsibility for it,” Zelensky noted.

As the president emphasized, it is very important that everyone in the world sees and understands what is really happening, because this night Russia launched approximately 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles. Another almost 150 strike drones.

“Unfortunately, there is a lot of destruction. Rescue operations are underway, the rubble of buildings is being cleared. As of now, more than 80 people have been injured throughout Ukraine. Everyone is being provided with assistance. Unfortunately, 9 people died in Kyiv. My condolences to their families and loved ones,” the head of state said.

Zelensky instructed Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to immediately contact partners regarding Ukrainian requests to strengthen air defense.

Also, the President of Ukraine plans to inform South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the Group of Twenty, about the situation and Ukraine’s need to intensify global diplomatic efforts today.

“The cessation of strikes is necessary immediately and unconditionally. We also count on assistance in humanitarian issues – in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. I am canceling part of the program of this visit and, after meeting with the President of South Africa, I will immediately return to Ukraine,” Zelensky stressed.

In addition, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga will hold all necessary meetings in South Africa to fully inform the country’s political and public leaders about the situation.

Zelenskyy about the attack on Kyiv

Attack on Ukraine

This night, the Russian invaders carried out a massive combined air attack with various types of air-, land- and sea-based missiles and strike drones on Ukraine. In total, Russia launched 215 air assets to destroy them. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 112 air targets. In Kyiv, a multi-story building was completely destroyed as a result of the attack, and people are trapped under the rubble.

On April 23, Zelensky traveled to South Africa to hold important meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives of political, civic, and student communities in African countries.

(C)UNIAN 2025