By: Rejoice Henrietta Otoo Arthur
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cancelled a major portion of his official visit to South Africa following a devastating overnight Russian attack on Kyiv, which left at least nine people dead and dozens injured.
Zelensky had been scheduled to hold multiple meetings in South Africa aimed at strengthening ties with African nations and building broader international support. However, after news broke of the deadly airstrikes, he announced that he would return to Ukraine immediately following his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a post on social media, Zelensky explained that although he would still meet with Ramaphosa, all other planned events in South Africa would now be handled by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, who will stay behind to brief local leaders and civil society groups about the war.
“The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally,” Zelensky said. He thanked allies around the world for standing with Ukraine and emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia.
The change in schedule reflects the ongoing volatility of Ukraine’s security situation, with the capital coming under regular threat despite international calls for a ceasefire.
