A devastating overnight Russian missile and drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, resulted in nine fatalities and over 70 injuries, including six children. The State Emergency Service reported widespread destruction, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate individuals trapped under rubble. The most severe damage occurred in an apartment building in the Sviatoshynskyi district, prompting a large-scale response from emergency teams equipped with specialized search tools and sniffer dogs. Additionally, fires broke out in various locations across the capital, posing further challenges to the rescue operations.

The city of Kharkiv also faced two waves of missile strikes, causing injuries and property damage, while the Zhytomyr region experienced a repeat attack on rescue teams, further escalating the humanitarian crisis. The railway infrastructure was not spared, with reports of attacks causing injuries to railway workers and damaging buildings, although train services remained operational.

Against this backdrop of escalating violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to South Africa for discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral cooperation and strategies to end the conflict with Russia. Zelenskiy’s diplomatic efforts aim to secure international support for Ukraine’s defense efforts, amidst increasing pressure from the United States for progress towards a peace agreement. The visit underscores the urgent need to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region, as the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and infrastructure.