In a tense turn of events, missile strikes rocked the skies over Kiev just as African leaders were set to engage in peace talks during their visit to Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities announced on

Friday that they successfully intercepted a wave of Russian missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhals, which were aimed at the Kiev region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned the missile strikes, asserting that they were intended to send a message to Africa, suggesting that Russia seeks conflict rather than peace. The Ukrainian Air Force reported taking down six Kinzhals, six Kalibr cruise missiles, and two reconnaissance drones, effectively neutralizing the threat. The interception took place over the Kiev region, according to Sergiy Popko, the chief of the Kiev military administration.

Fortunately, no damage was reported in Kiev, as confirmed by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. However, there was an explosion resulting from air defense measures in the central Podil district. Ukrainian officials pointed out the timing of the attack, coinciding with the visit of African leaders, as a deliberate move by Russian President Vladimir Putin to create tension and instability.

The South African presidency expressed that despite the missile strikes, the mission is proceeding as planned, and they eagerly await the commencement of talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky. The visiting delegation consists of the presidents of South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, and the Comoros, along with representatives from Uganda, Egypt, and Congo-Brazzaville. The group had also visited Bucha, where an alleged massacre by Russian troops took place, prior to the missile strikes in Kiev.

The missile strikes and heightened tensions serve as a stark reminder of the fragile situation in the region, with Ukraine and Russia at odds and international efforts for peace constantly challenged. The visit of African leaders, despite the disruption, highlights the significance of finding diplomatic solutions and the global implications of the ongoing conflict. Photo by Noobuster007, Wikimedia commons.