South Africa’s President Ramaphosa Supports Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

During a significant meeting in Pretoria, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for an unconditional ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for peace talks following discussions with US President Donald Trump. Zelensky, in turn, highlighted the potential for South African mediation, particularly concerning humanitarian issues.

In a significant diplomatic event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Pretoria on April 24, 2024. This meeting marked Zelensky’s inaugural visit to South Africa, where President Ramaphosa expressed strong support for Zelensky’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire in the enduring conflict with Russia. Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity for peace talks, stating, “It is a good signal from President Zelensky that Ukraine is agreeable to an unconditional ceasefire so that discussions and negotiations can then ensue.”

During their discussions, Ramaphosa highlighted his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, in which both leaders agreed on the urgency of ending the conflict that has resulted in countless casualties over the past three years. Ramaphosa stated, “They would meet soon to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations,” noting the recent decline in these ties. The South African leader pointedly mentioned discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a continued relationship with Russia, an ally dating back to the country’s post-apartheid era.

Zelensky’s visit also aimed to seek South Africa’s assistance in humanitarian issues, specifically presenting Ramaphosa with a list of 400 Ukrainian children reportedly held in Russia. Zelensky noted that he was optimistic that South Africa’s influence could help secure their return. He expressed his belief that a united global effort could pressure Russia into compliance regarding peace efforts, stating, “Global efforts need to be as united as possible to pressure Russia.”

Interestingly, Zelensky’s trip was cut short due to a deadly strike in Kyiv that resulted in significant casualties. Despite the country’s former non-aligned stance regarding the conflict, this meeting with Zelensky indicates a shift in South Africa’s foreign policy approach to the war, particularly after their participation in a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s actions earlier this year. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of negotiations, urging both nations to remember a past that favored no preconditions during talks to achieve peace.

Furthermore, the South African leader mentioned that negotiations crucial for ending apartheid were based on similar fundamentals of openness. Ramaphosa concluded by acknowledging the progress Ukraine has made in strengthening ties with Africa, even as Russia continues to seek partnerships across the continent amid its increasing isolation from Western nations.

The meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Zelensky highlights a pivotal moment for South Africa’s involvement in international peace efforts, particularly concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Ramaphosa’s encouragement towards an unconditional ceasefire and talks with both Zelensky and Trump, this event marks a clear shift in Pretoria’s foreign policy. The backdrop of ongoing violence in Ukraine, coupled with efforts to secure humanitarian assistance, underscores the urgency in global diplomatic engagements and reflects South Africa’s potential role as a mediator in international disputes.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com