Kiev shakes as African leaders arrive in Ukraine

On June 16, an explosion occurred in the center of the capital Kiev, in the context of a delegation of African leaders beginning a visit to Ukraine and Russia, with the hope of playing the role of mediator and soon ending the conflict.

A delegation of African leaders and officials arrived in Ukraine on June 16 and is expected to visit Russia on June 17 to carry out a peace mission. (Source: Reuters)

According to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the explosions occurred in the central Podil district. In addition, he also warned that many missiles were aimed at the Ukrainian capital.

It is not yet known whether the missile was fired by Russian or Ukrainian air defense forces.

Meanwhile, a delegation of senior African leaders and officials visited the town of Bucha, Ukraine on June 16.

Sharing on Twitter, the South African Presidency said: "South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African heads of state are carrying out the African Leaders Peace Mission at St Andrew's Cathedral in Bucha City."

According to the plan, Mr. Ramaphosa will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 16 and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on June 17.

Mr. Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the President of South Africa, said that the African leadership delegation included four presidents, Mr. Ramaphosa and three counterparts, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Mr. Azali Asoumani of Comoros and Mr. Macky Sall of Senegal, along with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

On May 16, the South African President affirmed that Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky "both agreed to welcome the delegation of African leaders and discuss measures to end the conflict."

Mr Ramaphosa also said the mediation effort would also involve Zambia, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa.

At the same time, he expressed his wish that the parties would soon sit down for negotiations due to the consequences of the “devastating” Russia-Ukraine conflict and Africa “being severely affected”.

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