Zelenskyy touches down in South Africa amid fresh Russian attacks and Trump criticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has landed in South Africa for his first official state visit, aiming to strengthen ties with the continent’s most industrialized nation and gather diplomatic support for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
His arrival comes at a time when Kyiv is reeling from a new wave of deadly Russian strikes and as political tensions surrounding the war intensify globally.
During his visit, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
According to Ramaphosa’s office, the talks will focus on key areas of cooperation and how South Africa can contribute to efforts aimed at achieving long-term peace in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of peace talks, highlighting the role nations like South Africa can play in global diplomacy.
“It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts,” he said.
“We count on South Africa’s meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties.”
South Africa’s relationship with both Russia and Ukraine has placed it in a unique position in the conflict.
As a member of BRICS and a country that has maintained historic ties with Moscow, Ramaphosa has previously positioned himself as a potential mediator.
Although his efforts have yet to show concrete results, he recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders reportedly agreeing to continue working toward a peaceful solution.
Commenting on South Africa’s potential influence, Dr Oscar van Heerden, a political analyst and research associate at the University of Johannesburg, noted that the country’s diplomatic connections could make it a valuable intermediary.
Similarly, Dzvinka Kachur, honorary president of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, pointed to the humanitarian front as a space where South Africa could make a real difference — particularly in advocating for the return of deported Ukrainian children and civilians held in Russian-controlled territories.
Zelenskyy’s visit is also part of a larger strategy to expand Ukraine’s presence across Africa. His administration has plans to open ten new embassies on the continent, reflecting a broader diplomatic push to build alliances and counter Russian influence.
Meanwhile, back in Kyiv, tragedy struck again as Russia launched a coordinated missile and drone attack, leaving at least nine dead and over 60 injured, including children.
The assault underscored Ukraine’s continued vulnerability and the urgent need for meaningful international engagement.
Adding to the tensions, former US President Donald Trump reignited his criticism of Ukraine, accusing Zelenskyy of prolonging the war by refusing to concede Crimea to Russia — a suggestion the Ukrainian president has outright rejected.
“There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution,” Zelenskyy reiterated earlier in the week.
As global powers struggle to find a diplomatic breakthrough, Zelenskyy is banking on partnerships in Africa to amplify Ukraine’s voice in peace negotiations and humanitarian advocacy.
“We are preparing for important meetings in South Africa with President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives of political, civil, and student communities of African countries,” he said.
