Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy abruptly curtailed his visit to South Africa on Thursday, citing the devastating impact of a Russian missile attack on Kyiv that left at least nine people dead. The strike, which targeted the Ukrainian capital, prompted Zelenskiy to prioritize his return to Kyiv to address the unfolding crisis.
Shortly after arriving in South Africa for talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelenskiy announced via social media that he would shorten his trip. “I will cancel part of the program and return to Ukraine immediately after my meeting with President Ramaphosa,” he confirmed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Zelenskiy’s visit to South Africa had been a pivotal moment to strengthen Ukraine’s diplomatic ties with the African continent, seeking to bolster international support for Kyiv in the ongoing war with Russia. The visit was also part of broader efforts to address mounting pressure from global leaders, notably U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that Washington could reconsider its support for Ukraine unless clear progress is made towards a peace agreement.
The discussions with President Ramaphosa were to center on bilateral cooperation and potential avenues for peace, with Zelenskiy highlighting the importance of advancing a “just peace” to end the conflict. “It is crucial to bring a just peace closer,” he wrote on social media. South Africa, maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Russia, has taken a neutral stance throughout the war, advocating for dialogue while refraining from condemning Moscow’s actions.
Ramaphosa’s office noted that the visit presented an opportunity for Ukraine and South Africa to enhance their cooperation, particularly in areas that could support efforts for a lasting peace. “The discussions will explore areas of cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties, with the aim of contributing to global peace efforts,” a statement from Ramaphosa’s office said.
Earlier this week, Ramaphosa held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders reiterated their commitment to working towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Despite these diplomatic exchanges, the situation remains volatile, and a lasting ceasefire has yet to materialize.
Zelenskiy had previously called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in the conflict, expressing Ukraine’s willingness to engage in talks that could pave the way for peace. However, significant differences remain between the two sides, with no clear breakthrough on the horizon.
This marks the first visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa, reflecting Ukraine’s increasing focus on garnering support from African nations. Zelenskiy and Ramaphosa have met several times before, including in 2023, as part of an African-led mediation initiative that has thus far failed to deliver significant results.
The escalation in Kyiv underscores the high-stakes nature of Zelenskiy’s diplomatic outreach, as the Ukrainian president returns to face the immediate challenges at home. As global calls for peace continue, the road to a resolution remains fraught with complexities and uncertainties.