South Africa has officially invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on social media.
While no date has been confirmed, the move signals a shift in diplomatic engagement amid global efforts to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The invitation comes just days after Kyiv was excluded from U.S.-Russia discussions on potential resolutions to the three-year-long conflict.
During a recent phone call, Ramaphosa and Zelensky emphasized the need for an “inclusive peace process,” with Zelensky reaffirming that any negotiations must include Ukraine.
South Africa, often perceived as having strong ties with Moscow, has sought to play a mediating role in the war.
In 2023, Ramaphosa led a delegation of seven African nations, including Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda, to meet with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to foster dialogue.
Historically, South Africa and Russia have maintained close relations, partly due to their membership in the BRICS alliance alongside Brazil, India, and China.
However, Ramaphosa has maintained that his government is committed to diplomatic neutrality and dialogue.
Following their conversation, Ramaphosa expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming visit, stating, “I welcome the constructive engagement I had with President [Zelensky] and look forward to hosting him in South Africa soon.” Zelensky, in turn, thanked South Africa for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and reiterated hopes for a “just and lasting peace” in 2025.
Despite Zelensky expressing interest in visiting South Africa as early as December 2024, no formal steps had been taken until now. His continued diplomatic efforts come amid increasing tensions with the U.S., particularly after former President Donald Trump criticized him as a “dictator” who has “done a terrible job.”
The invitation also coincides with strained relations between South Africa and the U.S., exacerbated by Washington’s recent decision to cut aid over South Africa’s controversial land expropriation law.
