Zelensky’s visit to South Africa comes nearly two years after Ramaphosa’s troubled diplomatic mission to Kyiv, providing an opportunity to reset strained relations.
Ramaphosa’s 2023 Kyiv Visit
Al Jazeera reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa faced a series of diplomatic and logistical challenges during his June 2023 visit to Kyiv as part of the African Peace Initiative. Raising questions about South Africa’s role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit South Africa for a reciprocal diplomatic engagement nearly two years later.
Offering both countries a chance to refocus their relationship and revisit the broader goals of peace and cooperation.
CNN reported that Ramaphosa travelled to Ukraine alongside several other African leaders with the aim of promoting dialogue between Kyiv and Russia.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa led an African delegation on a peace mission to Ukraine. Where they faced explosions and had to shelter in bunkers amid airstrikes on the capital, Kyiv.
A Lukewarm Reception
eNCA reported that the African delegation’s peace proposal, which called for de-escalation and negotiations, received a lukewarm reception from both Ukraine and Russia, with critics arguing that the plan lacked practical enforcement mechanisms.
This context sets the stage for Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Pretoria on 24 April 2025. The first official visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa.
According to the South African Presidency, the leaders will explore cooperation in trade, agriculture, and education. While continuing discussions on peace efforts related to the conflict in Eastern Europe.
By hosting Zelensky, Pretoria appears to signal its commitment to balanced diplomatic engagement with both sides of the conflict, despite past difficulties.
Do you believe Zelensky’s visit will improve South Africa-Ukraine relations after Ramaphosa’s challenging Kyiv trip?
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