Zelenskyy to Visit South Africa for Peace Talks with Russia in April

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 to discuss peace negotiations with President Cyril Ramaphosa. This meeting follows Ramaphosa’s previous diplomatic efforts and seeks to include Ukraine in ongoing peace talks with Russia. South Africa’s neutral position and leadership within the G20 further exemplify its commitment to facilitating dialogue.

The South African government announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit on April 10 for discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa focused on establishing a “path to peace” with Russia. This visit will signify the ongoing efforts by Ramaphosa to mediate and promote an inclusive peace process between Ukraine and Russia, as stated by Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.

South Africa has maintained a neutral stance regarding the conflict and has attempted to facilitate dialogue, despite experiencing limited success thus far. In 2023, President Ramaphosa undertook an African peace mission, where he met with both President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, furthering his diplomatic engagements through subsequent calls with both leaders.

As a member of the BRICS nations, South Africa has longstanding ties with Russia, positioning itself to potentially enhance the peace dialogue. Concurrently, President Zelenskyy is seeking additional support for Ukraine amidst challenges from international relations, particularly after a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made military aid contingent upon progress towards concluding the prolonged conflict.

South Africa asserts that Ukraine’s inclusion in any peace negotiations is imperative, acknowledging the importance of this view, which is also echoed by European leaders. Additionally, President Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with prominent European Union leaders next week in Cape Town during the annual EU-South Africa summit, emphasizing the ongoing diplomatic efforts. As the current president of the Group of 20, South Africa aims to foster collaboration among the world’s leading economies to facilitate the end of the war in Ukraine.

In summary, President Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to South Africa reflects the country’s commitment to mediating peace talks with Russia. South Africa’s neutral stance, along with President Ramaphosa’s extensive diplomatic engagements, highlights the nation’s role in fostering dialogue amid complex international relations. The inclusion of Ukraine in peace discussions and the call for collaboration among major global powers underscore the urgency of resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk