Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss peace efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. South Africa remains neutral in the conflict and previously led a peace initiative that failed to produce results. Both leaders aim to strengthen relations with US President Donald Trump amid escalating tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa in April, specifically on the 10th, to engage with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This meeting aims to address ongoing efforts to resolve Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African presidency, emphasized that this visit is part of a broader dialogue initiated by President Ramaphosa concerning an inclusive peace process between the two nations.
South Africa has maintained a neutral position regarding the Ukraine conflict. President Ramaphosa previously initiated a peace effort involving six African countries two years ago, although it did not achieve significant results. Notably, the meeting will occur while both leaders seek to strengthen their relationships with US President Donald Trump, indicating a strategic diplomatic agenda.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has increased its diplomatic initiatives within Africa and the Global South. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has led multiple diplomatic missions to engage African leaders in the peace process. On the contrary, Russia is also working to bolster its influence in Africa, with recent actions from the military juntas in Mali and Niger severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine, citing accusations of Ukraine’s support for Tuareg rebels in Mali.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s impending visit to South Africa is a significant diplomatic endeavor aimed at fostering discussions for peace in Ukraine. The meeting with President Ramaphosa represents ongoing efforts to involve African nations in the peace process while reasserting Ukraine’s diplomatic outreach within the Global South. Meanwhile, Russia’s attempts to expand its influence reveal the broader geopolitical stakes at play in the region.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
