Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cut short his visit to South Africa and is urgently returning to the country after Russia launched a new series of nighttime missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian territory, Sky news reports.
In an official statement on Telegram, the head of state pointed out that despite the 44 days that have passed since Kiev agreed to a complete ceasefire, Russian forces continue to attack. Zelensky said that Russia "is killing civilians and trying to avoid international pressure and responsibility."
“It is very important for the whole world to see and understand what is really happening,“ he stressed he.
The president reported that the recent attacks carried out with missiles and drones have caused significant damage and over 80 people have been injured in different regions of the country. Zelensky instructed the Minister of Defense to immediately contact Ukraine's international partners with a request to strengthen air defense.
Zelensky was in South Africa, where he was supposed to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, due to the attacks, he cut short his visit and returned to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation will be represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha, who will hold the planned meetings and inform local political and public leaders about the situation in Ukraine.