While the African delegation had just arrived in Ukraine, for a mediation mission because of the conflict with Russia, the four heads of state and the representatives of three other countries were welcomed on Friday June 16 by a downpour of dozen Russian missiles targeting Kiev. The African mission nonetheless continued its journey with a visit to Boutcha and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In recent hours, the african mission has gone through the two essential stages with each passage of foreign leaders: Boutcha first. This first step, highly symbolic, represents the first trauma of this warwhere hundreds of civilians were executed at the start of the Russian invasion, and where buildings still bear the scars of missile fire.
The African delegation gathered at the city’s memorial, which is located where a mass grave had been unearthed, reports our special envoy in kyiv, Julien Chavanne.
Second stage in Kiev, on Saint-Michel square to observe the carcasses of destroyed Russian tanks, near photos of Ukrainian soldiers who died in combat: the classic route for each foreign delegation, before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Missiles are a ” message to africa » came from Moscow
But their visit was marked by explosions above Kiev: 12 Russian missiles were shot down just now in the sky of the capital, while, at the same time, the African delegation was joining Boutcha.
Very soon, explosions sounded, anti-aircraft defense went into action, reports our correspondent in kyiv, Stephane Siohanand according to the first information available, the Russian army fired six Kinjal-type ballistic missiles, six Kalibr-type cruise missiles, and two Iranian-made suicide drones at Kiev this morning.
All projectiles were reportedly intercepted by anti-aircraft defenses, while missile debris slammed into the countryside around the capital, destroying several homes.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy immediately estimated on Twitter that these Russian strikes on kyiv were a “ message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace “. According to Dmytro Kouleba, it is ” largest missile attack on kyiv in weeks “.
For many commentators in kyiv, this bombing is a message and indicates disdain with the Kremlin’s dealings with the African mediation attempt. This while the latter must also go to Saint Petersburg on Saturday June 17.
African officials, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, have not reacted to the Russian attack so far. A press conference will follow their meeting with the Ukrainian President.
Initiative weakened by defections
However, skepticism remains for this good offices mission, as many observers insist that its chances of success are extremely slim.
African leaders will not be able to offer us anything in terms of conflict resolution”, said Ukrainian political analyst Anatoliy Oktysiouk, interviewed by AFP. ” They cannot act as mediators. They have little political weight, they have no influence “, he continued.
This is the latest in a series of unsuccessful diplomatic efforts. The African mission, weakened by the last-minute defection of some of the participants, nevertheless looks delicate.
Criticized for its proximity to MoscowSouth Africa refuses to condemn Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, claiming to hold a neutral position and want to favor dialogue.
African countries have denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine launched in February 2022 less unanimously than the major Western powers. Kremlin strives to attract African leaders to its camp by posing Russia as a bulwark against Western imperialism and by accusing the West of blocking with its sanctions the exports of Russian cereals and fertilizers essential to Africa.