South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Pretoria on Thursday, marking a significant engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing global security concerns. The discussions, conducted behind closed doors, encompassed opportunities for cooperation across sectors including agriculture, trade, education, infrastructure, and social exchanges.
Following the talks, President Ramaphosa, addressing members of the media, described the discussions as “successful” and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with Ukraine. He emphasised Pretoria’s consistent position on the conflict in Eastern Europe, expressing grave concern over the ongoing hostilities and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s belief that the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must be sought through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and adherence to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
“South Africa stands ready to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts at achieving a just and sustainable peace,” Ramaphosa stated, highlighting Pretoria’s diplomatic posture which favours negotiated settlements over military confrontation.
In addition to his discussions with President Zelensky, Ramaphosa revealed that he had engaged separately this week in telephone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversations, according to Ramaphosa, focused on encouraging dialogue and seeking pathways towards ending the conflict, reflecting South Africa’s continued advocacy for a negotiated settlement.
Speaking to the media, President Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. He lamented, however, that efforts toward de-escalation continue to be undermined by persistent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and civilian areas. Zelensky expressed optimism regarding future collaboration with South Africa in sectors such as agriculture, security, and energy, emphasising the potential for mutual benefit.
The latest diplomatic engagement follows President Ramaphosa’s historic visit to Kyiv and Saint Petersburg in June 2023, where he participated in an Africa-led peace initiative aimed at encouraging dialogue between the warring parties. That mission, conducted alongside other African leaders, reaffirmed the continent’s growing role in global diplomatic efforts.
The meeting between Ramaphosa and Zelensky signals a nuanced shift in South Africa’s diplomatic engagements, balancing its traditional non-aligned posture with proactive efforts to mediate international conflicts. While maintaining strong historical ties with Russia, Pretoria’s latest initiatives demonstrate a broader commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through principled dialogue.
Both leaders concluded the meeting with a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral relations and promoting collaboration across strategic sectors, setting a forward-looking tone in an increasingly polarised international landscape.
