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.