Ending War with Russia
By Thabo Mosia
Pretoria, South Africa – In a significant development aimed at fostering peace, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 10, 2025. This visit underscores South Africa’s ongoing commitment to mediating an end to the protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
South Africa’s Neutral Stance and Mediation Efforts
South Africa has maintained a non-aligned position regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict. As a member of the BRICS group alongside Russia, China, India, and Brazil, South Africa has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions or voting on related United Nations resolutions. This neutral stance has positioned the nation as a potential mediator in the ongoing war.  
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasized that President Zelensky’s upcoming visit results from continuous engagements between President Ramaphosa, President Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Magwenya stated, “The visit by President Zelensky to South Africa is the result of ongoing engagements… aimed at bringing both parties to the table.” 
The African Peace Initiative
In mid-2023, President Ramaphosa announced a new peace initiative led by African nations to address the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This initiative saw a delegation comprising leaders from South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Comoros, Zambia, and Uganda visiting both Kyiv and Moscow to advocate for peace. During these visits, Ramaphosa called for an end to the war, highlighting the devastating impact on global food security and economic stability. 
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
President Ramaphosa’s diplomatic efforts have included direct communications with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders. Notably, he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the G20 foreign ministers’ summit in Johannesburg, where he reiterated the importance of dialogue and informed Lavrov of President Zelensky’s forthcoming visit.
Context of Zelensky’s Visit
President Zelensky’s visit to South Africa follows a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which concluded without a signed resource development deal and led to the U.S. halting over $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This development has prompted European leaders to explore alternative support strategies for Ukraine.
South Africa’s relationship with Ukraine has evolved since Russia’s 2022 invasion. President Ramaphosa’s peace efforts, including meetings with Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos, have strengthened diplomatic ties. Ramaphosa has consistently emphasized South Africa’s commitment to supporting peace talks, advocating for inclusive dialogue involving all parties to achieve a lasting resolution.
Global Reactions and Future Prospects
The international community has shown keen interest in South Africa’s mediation efforts. European nations, in particular, are closely monitoring the upcoming talks, hoping for a breakthrough that could pave the way for broader peace negotiations. The African Union has also expressed support for South Africa’s initiative, viewing it as a testament to Africa’s growing role in global diplomacy.
As the April 10 meeting approaches, expectations are high that the discussions between Presidents Ramaphosa and Zelensky will contribute significantly to de-escalating tensions and charting a path toward peace. The world watches with bated breath, hopeful that this engagement will mark a turning point in the pursuit of stability and harmony in the region.
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