Zelenskyy Scheduled to Visit South Africa for Peace Talks in April

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss initiatives to end the Ukraine-Russia war, emphasizing diplomatic relations amid ongoing global tensions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa in April. His visit, confirmed by South Africa’s presidency spokesman Vincent Magwenya, will involve discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 10 regarding efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

This meeting follows President Ramaphosa’s previous engagements with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy, aimed at fostering an inclusive peace process for the conflict. Ramaphosa has previously led a peace initiative that included six African nations, though it ultimately did not yield any substantial outcomes.

Notably, South Africa has maintained a neutral position regarding the war in Ukraine. The upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and Ramaphosa coincides with both leaders’ intentions to enhance their relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Amid the full-scale war, Ukraine has placed significant emphasis on diplomatic efforts, particularly targeting African nations and the Global South, with former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba making notable tours to engage African leaders in the peace dialogue. Meanwhile, Russia is seeking to bolster its influence in Africa, evidenced by the recent severance of diplomatic ties between Ukraine and the military governments of Mali and Niger, amidst accusations from these nations against Ukraine regarding support for rebel groups occurring within their territories.

President Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to South Africa signifies a continued effort towards seeking peace amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting with President Ramaphosa will not only address the war, but also reaffirm South Africa’s neutral stance while highlighting both nations’ relationships with global powers like the United States. As Ukraine enhances its diplomatic outreach in Africa, Russia’s maneuvers reflect an ongoing contest for influence in the region.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua