South Africa Plans to Host Ukraine’s President Zelensky Amid Global Tensions, Reports Reuters
South Africa has invited Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on X. However, he did not mention a specific date.
This news, reported by BBC, comes at a time when Ukraine was left out of U.S.-Russia discussions about ending the ongoing war.
According to BBC, Ramaphosa and Zelensky spoke over the phone and agreed that peace efforts should involve all parties.
Zelensky emphasized this by saying, “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” South Africa has been trying to mediate in the conflict despite having close historical ties with Russia. The country is also part of the BRICS alliance, which includes Russia, China, India, and Brazil.
BBC highlights that in 2023, Ramaphosa led a delegation of African leaders—including those from Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda—to meet with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This shows South Africa’s attempt to play a neutral role.
South Africa’s invitation to Zelensky also comes as its relationship with the U.S. grows tense. BBC notes that the Trump administration recently stopped financial aid to South Africa due to its new land law. Meanwhile, Trump has criticized Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” who has done a “terrible job.”
Dr. Oscar van Heerden, a political expert from the University of Johannesburg, told Reuters that Ramaphosa’s move is strategic.
He believes it allows South Africa to show influenced Africa. Hosting Zelensky, according to BBC, sends a message to the world that South Africa can be a key player in global politics, despite U.S. pressure.
Zelensky has been pushing for more international support, but BBC reports that Ukraine’s relationship with the U.S. is becoming strained. With Trump’s return to the White House, uncertainty looms over future U.S. aid to Ukraine.
By inviting Zelensky, South Africa may position itself as a peace mediator. BBC suggests that while the country has ties to Russia, it could act as an “honest broker” in the war, potentially playing a more significant role in shaping global diplomacy.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lp419q9peo