Amid Russian strikes and Trump’s renewed criticism, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy lands in South Africa

“It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts,” Zelenskyy said according to The Kyiv Independent. “We count on South Africa’s meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties.”

Motives behind the visit

Ramaphosa has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the conflict, leveraging South Africa’s relationship with Russia through the BRICS group of developing nations, though his mediation efforts are yet to yield tangible results. On Monday, Ramaphosa said he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which both leaders “committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict”.

“I’m absolutely certain [a peace deal] will be part of the agenda,” said Dr Oscar van Heerden, a research associate at the University of Johannesburg, speaking to DW. He noted that South Africa’s close relationship with Russia could offer it a unique role in peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy’s visit also highlights Ukraine’s broader diplomatic efforts in Africa, including plans to open 10 new embassies across the continent. South Africa’s ability to mediate humanitarian issues—such as the return of deported Ukrainian children or civilians held in Russian-occupied areas—was also emphasised.

“There is the humanitarian aspect that South Africa can play a more important role in,” said Dzvinka Kachur, honorary president of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, in an interview with DW.

Trump’s renewed criticism

While Zelenskyy was en route to South Africa, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of stretching the war by refusing to cede Crimea to Russia as part of a peace deal, calling the conflict a “killing field”.

Zelenskyy had reiterated on Tuesday that Ukraine would never recognise the Russian annexation of Crimea, saying: “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.” In response, Trump said: “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian territory but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”

As Zelenskyy travelled overnight to South Africa, Kyiv was hit by a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike that killed nine people and injured at least 63, including six children, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack came amid a stalled diplomatic process, with peace talks in London involving the US, EU, and Ukraine making limited progress after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled his attendance.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called out Moscow’s lack of commitment to peace, saying a recent Easter ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin was not genuine as attacks on Ukrainian cities continued.

(With inputs from AP, DW, The Kyiv Independent)

From the homepage

Rajasthan student’s body found in Russian dam after 19 days; family seeks probe, early repatriation

‘Sowed the seeds of partition’: PM Modi alleges Congress dropped important stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’

Pune deal case live: Ajit Pawar says sale deed stands cancelled, not a single paisa exchanged