Zelensky to Visit South Africa on April 10 Amid U.S. Rift: A New Path to Peace?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit South Africa on April 10, marking a pivotal diplomatic effort as Kyiv seeks new allies in its fight against Russia. The visit comes in the wake of strained ties with the U.S. after former President Donald Trump pushed Ukraine to negotiate directly with Moscow.

South Africa’s Role as a Peacemaker

South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine-Russia war, refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion and abstaining from United Nations resolutions. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa has consistently engaged with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to encourage a peaceful resolution.

By hosting Zelensky, South Africa is positioning itself as a mediator, leveraging its influence in BRICS and the G20 to shape global diplomatic efforts. According to political analyst Dr. Oscar van Heerden from the University of Johannesburg, this visit gives Kyiv a platform to express its concerns amid U.S.-Russia negotiations while also sending a strong international message.

Fallout with the U.S. and Ukraine’s Diplomatic Shift

Zelensky’s visit to South Africa follows his February 28 meeting with Trump, which quickly turned tense. Trump reportedly urged the Ukrainian leader to “make a deal” with Russia or risk losing U.S. support—an ultimatum that signaled a shift in Washington’s stance on the war.

After this fallout, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Zelensky for discussions in Johannesburg, emphasizing the need for an inclusive peace process. The Ukrainian leader welcomed the opportunity, thanking South Africa for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and expressing hope for a “just and lasting peace” in 2025.

What to Expect from Zelensky’s Visit

During his visit, Zelensky will meet with President Ramaphosa to explore potential solutions to the ongoing war and discuss South Africa’s role in broader peace efforts. Given South Africa’s growing diplomatic ties with Russia and its strategic influence in BRICS, this meeting could shape future peace negotiations.

As Ukraine seeks new allies and alternatives to U.S. backing, the visit underscores South Africa’s emerging role in global conflict mediation. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the war in Ukraine and the geopolitical balance between the West, Russia, and the Global South.

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