Zelenski cuts a short visit to South Africa after the Russian attack against Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodimir Zelenski canceled part of his first visit to South Africa after attacking the Russian rocket and drones overnight against the capital of Ukraine Kiev.

At least Nine people were killed And over 80 injured, including children, the attack, local officials said.

Zelenski said in an X publication that he would return to Ukraine “immediately” after meeting with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramafosa as part of his journey to increase diplomatic efforts.

He added that rescue operations continue after the attack at night and has “significant destruction”.

“It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed with a complete termination of fire and stop strikes,” he continued, citing an early agreement between the US and Ukraine in March because of the proposed temporary termination of fire. “The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally.”

Zelenski’s visit to South Africa marks a diplomatic breakthrough for the Ukrainian leader in his efforts to oppose Russia’s growing influence in Africa.

The state visit would only be unimaginable two years ago when President Ramafosa led a delegation of African leaders in Kiev with peace.

At that time, South Africa’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a source of frustration for Kiev.

But the geopolitical landscape has changed mainly after this meeting, both sides already have much more in common.

Both are increasingly contrary to Washington.

The United States was one of Ukraine’s closest allies to the re-election of Donald Trump in November. Now Ukraine is willing to expand its set of international partners – especially in Africa, where many countries have strong relations with Russia.

South Africa also suffers from a strained relationship with Washington, who expelled his ambassador and eliminated funding for help.

South Africa says that his unprecedented position puts him in an excellent position to help to achieve a peaceful deal with Russia.

Trump on Wednesday accused the Ukrainian leader of damages to peace talks after Zelenski stated that Kiev would not recognize Russian control over Crimea.

Ukraine has long stated that it will not abandon the Crimea, the Southern Peninsula illegally applied by Russia in 2014.

Trump claims that a deal to end war is “very close”, but Zelenski’s refusal to accept US conditions “will do nothing but extend the” conflict.

Earlier, American Vice President JD Vance presented the US vision for a deal, saying that this would “freeze territorial lines (…) near where they are today.”

He said the deal would mean Ukraine and Russia, “both will have to give up part of the territory they currently own” – without specifying what geographical discounts they will have to be made.

Asked by White House reporters whether the administration seeks to recognize Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, Trump said he just wanted to see the end end.

The recognition of the illegal occupation of Crimea in Russia would not only be politically impossible for Zelenski to accept, but would also be contrary to post -war international legal norms that borders should not change by force.