Kiev comes under Russian attacks during visit of African leaders
In a continuing effort to bring peace to the conflict, the leaders of South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, the Comoros and Egypt were sticking to their plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday ahead of an expected visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. However, in the midst of his arrival, Kiev suffered numerous missile attacks, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension.
During the chaotic events, a Reuters journalist in central Kiev reported hearing two explosions, while the mayor, Vitali Klitschko, also confirmed explosions in the central Podil district. In addition, another Reuters correspondent witnessed the smoke trail of two missiles in the sky over the capital, although it remained unclear whether they were fired by Russia or Ukrainian air defences.
As the situation unfolded, a Reuters television crew observed the arrival of the leaders in Kiev, who were travelling in a convoy of cars and sought shelter in the anti-aircraft area of a hotel. However, they were eventually cleared for arrival, and the South African presidency said on Twitter that the mission was proceeding as planned.
According to the Ukrainian air force, they managed to intercept and shoot down six "Kinzhal" ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and two drones. While the city authorities received no immediate reports of deaths or significant damage, the police confirmed casualties, without specifying the exact number.
The airstrike is the latest in a series of offensives launched by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the frequency increasing as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took to Twitter accusing Russian President Putin of instigating the conflict and undermining peace efforts. Kuleba declared: "Putin creates confidence by launching the biggest missile attack on Kiev in weeks, exactly in the middle of the visit of African leaders to our capital. The Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace".
Before today's attacks, the African leaders began their trip by visiting Bucha, a town near Kiev where Ukraine alleges that Russian occupiers committed heinous acts such as executions, rape and torture. International investigators are gathering evidence of war crimes in the area, although Russia vehemently denies these allegations.
The peace delegation, led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Senegalese President Macky Sall, intends to propose a set of "confidence-building measures" during its mediation efforts.
A draft document, reviewed by Reuters, suggests that these measures could include the withdrawal of Russian troops, the removal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, the suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin and the easing of Western sanctions on Russia. The main objective of the mission is to promote peace and facilitate diplomatic resolutions between the parties involved.