Zelenskyy Lands in South Africa for Closed-Door Talks on Ukraine Conflict Resolution
Published on April 24, 2025 at 9:45 AM by Evance Kapito
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in South Africa early Friday for critical discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as part of ongoing efforts to rally global support for a peace deal to end the war with Russia.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting at noon, expected to last about an hour, under the framework of the Africa Peace Initiative. The talks come as Kyiv intensifies diplomatic outreach to secure broader international backing, particularly from non-aligned nations.
Zelenskyy’s surprise visit follows a series of high-level engagements with Western allies, including the United States, European Union, and United Nations. South Africa, which has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, presents a strategic opportunity for Ukraine to court support from the Global South.
“This discussion is part of a broader effort to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” a senior Ukrainian official said ahead of the meeting.
The African Peace Initiative, championed by several continental leaders, has sought to position Africa as a potential mediator in the conflict. Pretoria has previously faced criticism for its perceived reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion, but Ramaphosa has reiterated calls for dialogue.
Analysts suggest Zelenskyy’s trip signals Ukraine’s push to counter Moscow’s influence in Africa, where Russia has deepened military and economic ties with several nations.
No joint press conference has been announced, but observers will be watching for any signs of a shift in South Africa’s position. The talks could also lay the groundwork for future African-led peace negotiations.
