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What did the African peace mission see in Kyiv?
Summary
A visit by African officials was interrupted by Russian missile fire, as reported on 16 June 2023.
What does a peace mission achieve when missiles arrive during the visit? On 16 June 2023, African officials visiting Ukraine on a peace mission had their trip interrupted by a Russian missile attack, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Air Force said it had shot down six Kinzhal ballistic missiles, six Kalibr missiles and two reconnaissance drones. The attack came while the delegation was in the country.
The days before
The strike was not an isolated event. On 10 June 2023, Russian forces attacked Odesa with drones and missiles, killing three civilians and injuring 27 others.
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 Kakhovka dam collapse.
The flooding
The Kakhovka Dam was breached in the early hours of 6 June 2023, causing extensive flooding along the lower Dnipro in Kherson Oblast. The dam was under Russian military control, having been seized in the early days of the invasion. Ukraine blamed Russia's 205th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and Russian authorities denied the accusations.
Against that backdrop, the missile fire during the African delegation's visit on 16 June 2023 underlined the conditions in which any diplomacy was being attempted.
