Deadly Russian 'ballistic missile strikes' hit Kyiv - as Zelenskyy cuts short South Africa visit
by Kit Heren · LBCBy Kit Heren
Two children are among eight people killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy cutting short a visit to South Africa in the wake of the attacks.
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Some 77 have been hurt in the attacks, which officials in the Ukrainian capital said were a combination of ballistic missile and drone attacks.
It comes as Donald Trump continues to undermine Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly, while maintaining that he wants a peace deal this week.
After the strikes on Kyiv, fires were reported in several residential buildings, said Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city military administration.
Tkachenko added: "Everything is very serious... Russian peace in all its glory."
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He told Kyiv residents: "Treat threats with the utmost responsibility. All services are working on the ground. Soldiers, medics, rescuers - everyone knows their job.
"This is not the first time this has happened.
"But we must protect ourselves and our loved ones! Stay in shelters."
Also on Wednesday evening, Mr Trump hit out at Mr Zelenskyy for ruling out recognising Crimea as Russian as part of any future peace deal.
“This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian president said on Tuesday.
Trump said in response: "It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this war. He has nothing to boast about!"
He added: "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?" he said.
The US president also claimed Zelenskyy's statement will "do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,'" in Ukraine.
"The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," he added.
Mr Trump's vice-president JD Vance has also threatened to remove US support from Ukraine.