Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Ramaphosa, discussing peace efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. South Africa maintains a neutral position while exploring diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia, amidst Ukraine’s efforts to engage Africa in peace initiatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa on April 10. During this visit, he will engage in discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding efforts to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as reported by Bloomberg. This meeting underscores the continued dialogues between Ramaphosa, President Putin, and President Zelenskyy, aimed at fostering a comprehensive peace process related to the conflict.
South Africa’s presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, reaffirmed the country’s neutral stance on the war in Ukraine. He highlighted that this visit is part of Ramaphosa’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, which began with a peace initiative involving six African countries two years prior, although this initiative did not yield significant results.
The timing of the meeting is particularly noteworthy, as both leaders seek to strengthen their relationships with U.S. President Donald Trump. Amidst the ongoing full-scale war, Ukraine has been enhancing its diplomatic activities, particularly within Africa and the Global South. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has undertaken various missions to African nations to engage more leaders in the peace process.
In parallel, Russia is also attempting to expand its influence in Africa. Notably, in August 2024, the military juntas of Mali and Niger severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing the country of supporting local rebels who reportedly attacked Russian Wagner mercenaries. This development marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations within the region.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to South Africa demonstrates a commitment to engage in peace discussions regarding the war in Ukraine. The meeting with President Ramaphosa reflects both leaders’ interests in diplomatic relations and conflict resolution efforts. As Ukraine seeks broader support from Africa, Russia is simultaneously working to solidify its influence on the continent, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
