Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa on April 10, 2025, to discuss peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit continues President Cyril Ramaphosa’s mediating efforts, reinforcing South Africa’s neutral role in the conflict and its call for Ukraine’s inclusion in peace talks. President Ramaphosa will also meet with European leaders to pursue cooperation in ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit South Africa on April 10, 2025, to engage in discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at establishing a pathway to peace with Russia. This visit is part of President Ramaphosa’s persistent efforts to mediate an inclusive peace process between Ukraine and Russia, as confirmed by spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
South Africa maintains a neutral stance regarding the conflict and has embarked on diplomatic initiatives to bridge dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, despite facing challenges. Ramaphosa previously spearheaded an African peace mission in 2023, meeting with both leaders to advance negotiations.
The country’s ties to Russia stem from its BRICS membership, which Ramaphosa hopes to utilize to facilitate ongoing discussions. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is actively seeking international support following recent setbacks, including a lack of military aid from the United States amid pressures to resolve the conflict.
In alignment with European leaders, South Africa advocates for Ukraine’s participation in peace negotiations. Ramaphosa is scheduled to convene with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa during the upcoming EU-South Africa summit in Cape Town, further emphasizing cooperation among G20 members to conclude the war in Ukraine.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s impending visit to South Africa represents a critical step toward mediating peace discussions with Russia. Despite South Africa’s neutral position and prior diplomatic initiatives showing limited success, the country continues to advocate for inclusion of Ukraine in peace talks. The ongoing dialogues reflect collaborative efforts, highlighting the necessity of international cooperation through platforms such as the G20 and upcoming summits.
Original Source: apnews.com
