South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa (Credit: Wikipedia)

By  Gary  Raynaldo    – DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited South Africa Thursday where he received support from his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa to find a path to peace in the war with Russia. South African President Ramaphosa’s meeting with the Ukrainian leader marked sharp turnaround in diplomatic relations between the two countries as Pretoria had previously taken a neutral position in the conflict. Ramaphosa has maintained close ties to Russia.  It is the first time the head of state of Ukraine visited South Africa in the 33 years since the two nations established diplomatic relations.  Zelensky is attempting to counter Russia’s growing influence on the African continent.  It is Zelensky’s first trip to Africa.  Many African states including South Africa refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The former Soviet Union was a staunch ally in the antiapartheid movement in Africa.  

Ramaphosa agreed with Zelensky in calling for an unconditional ceasefire in the war with Russia as a prelude to peace talks.  Zelensky had to cut short his historic visit amid a deadly Russian attack on Kyiv overnight.  Ramaphosa advocates peace in Ukraine through diplomacy. 

“South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of civilian lives, damage to critical infrastructure and deteriorating humanitarian situation,” the South African president said in a press briefing.   “South Africa believes that the only path to peace is through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. South Africa stands ready to continue to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace.”

Zelensky called on Russia to back an unconditional ceasefire in remarks before the media. 

“If Russia claims it’s ready for a ceasefire, it must stop its massive strikes on Ukraine,” the Ukrainian president said.   Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants to end the war and receive reliable security guarantees. 

Ramaphosa mentioned that he had spoken by telephone to U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday regarding the peace process in Ukraine and that the two agreed that the war should be brought to an end “as soon as possible to prevent further death and destruction.” 

The two leaders also discussed  strengthening of trade and economic cooperation in areas of agriculture, food security, education and  energy.