Zelensky and Ramaphosa Hold Landmark Talks in South Africa Amid Global Tensions

Pretoria, South Africa – In a historic moment for Ukraine-Africa relations, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is currently holding high-stakes talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. The meeting, already underway, marks a diplomatic breakthrough and signals a notable improvement in previously strained relations between the two nations.

This visit is Zelensky’s first official engagement in Africa since assuming office in 2019, and comes at a critical juncture as Kyiv attempts to counter Russia’s entrenched influence across the continent. Analysts say the optics of the meeting—held even as Russia launched a missile strike on Kyiv—are as significant as the content of the discussions.

“I am cancelling part of the programme for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa,” Zelensky posted on social media earlier, following the Russian attack. Despite the abrupt schedule change, the fact that the two leaders are meeting in person is a major milestone in itself.

Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Affairs noted, “Russia will be annoyed by the visit, but I don’t think it can do much about it.”

The discussions between Zelensky and Ramaphosa are focused on efforts to find a path toward peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as strengthening bilateral trade. Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s role is not about taking sides but contributing meaningfully to international peace-building efforts.

“We are committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. He also confirmed that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin before Zelensky’s arrival, reaffirming South Africa’s strong bilateral relations with both countries.

This strategic diplomacy reflects South Africa’s attempt to walk a delicate line amid rising global polarization. The meeting also comes as South Africa tries to restore frayed relations with the United States following several diplomatic disputes, including its controversial genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

“South Africa will want to explain that it is adding to the efforts to build peace, and its role is not in competition with that of the US,” said Prof Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg.

Zelensky’s visit also signals Ukraine’s growing interest in Africa as a diplomatic partner. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has doubled its African embassies from 10 to 20, a move analysts say is aimed at diversifying international support.

“Wars aren’t only won on the battlefield, but also in the court of global public opinion,” Zondi added.

Economic cooperation is also high on the agenda. With South Africa facing sluggish growth and high unemployment, Ramaphosa is looking to boost trade wherever possible.

“Any volume of trade, no matter how small, is critical,” said Zondi. “South Africa could be Ukraine’s gateway to Africa because of its ports and financial systems.”

Despite geopolitical tensions, both leaders appear determined to use this moment to forge a pragmatic and mutually beneficial relationship. While Zelensky is expected to depart soon due to the situation back home, the significance of this meeting could ripple far beyond the Pretoria presidential compound.

If realized, a deeper Ukraine-South Africa partnership could reshape the diplomatic map of the continent—one where African states no longer remain on the sidelines of global conflicts, but emerge as central players in their resolution.