Russian strike on Ukraine kills nine overnight, injures dozens

Rescuers at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Pic/AFP

A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv overnight, killing nine people and injuring another 70, including six children, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday. The Kyiv City Military Administration said on its Telegram channel that Russia struck Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles. At least 45 drones were detected, the administration said. At least 42 people were hospitalised in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to cut short an official visit to South Africa due to the attack. Zelensky still held a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria but said he would return home after that.

70 missiles, 150 drones fired during ceasefire

After US President Donald Trump's criticisism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his remarks on Crimea, calling them "harmful to peace negotiations" with Russia, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine has upheld a complete ceasefire for 44 days following a proposal from Washington, while Moscow continued its attacks, launching 70 missiles and 150 attack drones during that time.

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