Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10, 2024, to meet with President Ramaphosa. The meeting aims to discuss peace efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. South Africa maintains a neutral position and had previously engaged in peace initiatives, while both leaders seek to strengthen relations with the US. Ukraine is intensifying diplomatic efforts in Africa, responding to Russia’s increasing presence in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit South Africa in April 2024, where he will hold a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This meeting, confirmed by presidency spokesman Vincent Magwenya, is scheduled for April 10 and will focus on discussions aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The visit underscores ongoing dialogues led by President Ramaphosa with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy, which aim for an inclusive peace strategy regarding the conflict. South Africa’s neutral stance on the war has been emphasized, along with Ramaphosa’s previous efforts, including a failed peace initiative two years prior with six African countries.
During the upcoming meeting, both leaders seek to bolster ties with US President Donald Trump. As the war continues, Ukraine has significantly enhanced its diplomatic engagement with Africa and the Global South, with efforts led by former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to involve these nations in the peace discussions.
Conversely, Russia is actively pursuing to increase its influence in Africa. Significant political shifts occurred in August 2024 when Mali and Niger’s military governments cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine, claiming Ukraine aided Tuareg rebels responsible for attacks against Russian Wagner mercenaries in Mali.
President Zelenskyy’s visit to South Africa marks a significant step in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions with President Ramaphosa come amid South Africa’s neutral stance and previous attempts to mediate peace. The growing diplomatic interactions reflect Ukraine’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with African nations and the Global South while contending with Russia’s influence in the region.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
