On April 24, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abruptly curtailed his official visit to South Africa following a deadly Russian missile strike. Citing the escalating situation in Ukraine, Zelensky stated his immediate return. "...South Africa, I will immediately return to Ukraine." He also noted that "It was now '44 days since Ukraine agreed to a complete ceasefire'". The announcement coincided with reports that Donald Trump urged Putin to "STOP."