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4mo ago

Zelensky's South Africa Visit Signals Pretoria's Diplomatic Shift in Russia-Ukraine War

South African President Ramaphosa calls for an unconditional ceasefire, agrees to mediate peace talks, and deepens ties with Ukraine during Zelensky's visit.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) waves as he is welcomed by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) during an official visit to South Africa, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on April 24, 2024. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
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Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, during a news conference following a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy became the fist leader of Ukraine to visit South Africa in a bid to expand diplomatic outreach while he can no longer fully rely on US as his nation's key ally and the peace deal with Russia remains elusive. Photographer: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Overview

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his first official visit to South Africa, meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on April 24, 2025.
  • President Ramaphosa advocated for an unconditional ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning South Africa as a potential mediator in peace negotiations.
  • Zelensky provided Ramaphosa with a list of 400 Ukrainian children reportedly abducted to Russia and sought South Africa's assistance in securing their return.
  • The two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, energy, and post-conflict reconstruction.
  • Zelensky cut his visit short to return to Kyiv following renewed Russian missile attacks, which killed 12 people and injured 90 in the Ukrainian capital.