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African peace mission interrupted by Russian missile attack
Summary
A look back at the day a delegation visiting Ukraine was caught up in a Russian strike, and at the events of the preceding week.
What happened when a group of African officials arrived in Ukraine on a peace mission on 16 June 2023? According to the Ukrainian Air Force, their visit was interrupted by a Russian missile attack.
The Air Force said it shot down six Kinzhal ballistic missiles, six Kalibr missiles and two reconnaissance drones during the attack.
The days before
The strike came after a week of heavy attacks and new foreign support. On 10 June 2023, Russian forces hit Odesa with drones and missiles, killing three civilians and injuring 27 others.
On the same day, Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced a $500 million military aid package for Ukraine, including 288 AIM-7 missiles. He also announced $10 million in humanitarian aid for victims of the collapse of the Kakhovka dam.
The dam had been breached in the early hours of 6 June 2023, flooding the lower Dnipro in Kherson Oblast. It was under Russian military control, having been seized early in the invasion. Many experts later concluded that Russian forces had likely blown up a section of it to hinder the planned Ukrainian counter-offensive. Ukraine blamed Russia's 205th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and Russian authorities denied the accusations.
