Pretoria, South Africa
In a moment charged with geopolitical significance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially landed in South Africa, marking his first visit to the African continent since the outbreak of the war with Russia.
Met with both diplomatic fanfare and public controversy, Zelenskyy’s arrival in Pretoria signals Ukraine’s bold push to strengthen ties beyond the West — and bring its message directly to the Global South.
Why This Visit Matters
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa for high-level talks focused on:
- Trade cooperation
- Agricultural development
- Educational partnerships
- Peace efforts amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine
South Africa — a key player in African politics and a BRICS nation with historically close ties to Russia — offers Ukraine both a challenge and an opportunity.
A Warm Welcome… With Mixed Signals
While government officials prepared a formal welcome, the streets of Pretoria tell a more complicated story. In recent days, Russian flags have appeared across the city, revealing a segment of public sentiment that views Zelenskyy’s presence with skepticism — or even outright opposition.
Still, the symbolism of Zelenskyy stepping onto African soil is powerful: a wartime president seeking solidarity, dialogue, and diplomatic ground in a region that has largely remained neutral.
Building Bridges, Changing Narratives
Zelenskyy’s visit underscores Ukraine’s strategic pivot toward the Global South, aiming to counter Russia’s influence and reshape the narrative in parts of the world where Moscow has maintained stronger historic or ideological ties.
As Zelenskyy begins his meetings, the eyes of the world — and the ears of many skeptical South Africans — will be watching closely to see if this visit can build bridges.
