Zelenskyy Scheduled to Visit South Africa for Peace Discussions in April
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss peace efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict. South Africa maintains a neutral stance and previously attempted a peace initiative. The meeting also aims to strengthen ties with the US and reflects heightened diplomatic activity from Ukraine, amidst Russia’s expanding influence in Africa.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa in April to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The confirmation came from South Africa’s presidency spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, who stated that the meeting will take place on April 10 to discuss strategies for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The spokesman emphasized that this visit is part of ongoing discussions led by President Ramaphosa with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy regarding an inclusive peace process for the conflict. South Africa has maintained a neutral position in the ongoing war, despite previously spearheading a peace initiative with six African nations two years ago that did not yield significant results.
This meeting occurs at a time when both leaders are also focusing on fortifying their relations with US President Donald Trump. Amid the full-scale war, Ukraine has stepped up its diplomatic outreach, particularly towards African nations and the Global South, with efforts spearheaded by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to engage African leaders in the peace dialogue.
In contrast, Russia has been seeking to enhance its influence in Africa, as indicated by recent diplomatic breakages. In August 2024, the military governing bodies of Mali and Niger announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing it of supporting rebel movements against them. This dynamic reflects the broader geopolitical tug-of-war in the region, further complicating the peace efforts in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s forthcoming visit to South Africa underscores the continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Russia. The meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa is part of a broader initiative that demonstrates South Africa’s neutral position while engaging with both sides of the conflict. As Ukraine expands its diplomatic outreach in Africa, the opposing efforts by Russia reveal a complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
