Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 for discussions on establishing peace with Russia. This visit represents a continuation of South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa’s efforts to mediate between the two nations. Ramaphosa emphasizes the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks, aligning with European calls for an inclusive process.
The South African government has announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit in April to discuss finding a “path to peace” with Russia. This visit, taking place on April 10, aims to continue the dialogues initiated by South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa with both Ukraine and Russia. Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, emphasized the importance of these discussions as part of an inclusive peace process.
In light of the ongoing conflict, South Africa has maintained a neutral stance, trying to mediate between the conflicting nations, albeit with limited effectiveness. Ramaphosa previously led an African peace mission to engage both sides and has since held individual calls with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. South Africa’s links to Russia, derived from its BRICS membership, enable Ramaphosa to potentially facilitate dialogue.
Concurrently, President Zelenskyy has been seeking to strengthen support for Ukraine following a recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suspended military assistance to Ukraine as leverage for a resolution to the ongoing war. Moreover, the U.S. did not include Ukraine or its European allies in discussions with Russian officials regarding a peace accord in Saudi Arabia.
South Africa insists on the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in any peace negotiations. This stance aligns with the sentiments expressed by European leaders. Additionally, next week, Ramaphosa is expected to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa during an annual summit in Cape Town, reinforcing South Africa’s diplomatic efforts.
Holding the presidency of the Group of 20 this year, South Africa is advocating for collaborative efforts within this group—including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—to bring about a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict.
In conclusion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s impending visit to South Africa is a significant step in the pursuit of peace with Russia. The South African leadership, under Ramaphosa, aims to utilize its neutral stance and existing relationships to mediate effectively. The inclusion of Ukraine in negotiations remains a priority, reflecting broader international sentiments. As South Africa champions dialogue through its G20 presidency, it highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation in crisis resolution.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
