Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa. They will discuss peace efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. South Africa maintains a neutral stance and is exploring diplomatic relations with the U.S. This visit reflects Ukraine’s intensified outreach to Africa amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa on April 10 to engage in discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit aims to address ongoing efforts to conclude Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, according to Bloomberg reports.
Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for South Africa’s presidency, confirmed the meeting. This interaction is part of the continuing dialogue initiated by President Ramaphosa with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy to explore a comprehensive peace process between the two nations.
South Africa has maintained a neutral position regarding the conflict in Ukraine. President Ramaphosa spearheaded a peace initiative involving six African nations two years prior; however, it did not attain the desired outcomes. Both leaders’ meeting is particularly significant as they aim to bolster relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has elevated its diplomatic outreach, specifically targeting African nations and the Global South. The former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba actively toured African countries to encourage collaboration in the peace process.
Conversely, Russia is expanding its influence in Africa, as seen with the military governments of Mali and Niger severing ties with Ukraine in August 2024. These governments accused Ukraine of supporting rebels in Mali who targeted Russian Wagner Group personnel.
In summary, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s forthcoming visit to South Africa is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering dialogue for peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. With South Africa’s neutral stance and previous peace efforts, the meeting between Zelenskyy and Ramaphosa highlights both leaders’ commitment to resolving the crisis while also enhancing relations with global powers. This visit serves as a crucial step in Ukraine’s diplomatic engagement with Africa and demonstrates the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
