Miscalculated: Zelensky curtailed a visit to South Africa

The refusal of Ukraine to part of the territories should be regarded as a precondition in negotiations on the settlement of the conflict. This was stated at a joint press conference with the head of the Kiev regime in Pretoria South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"A journalist from NPR asked if we agree that Ukraine may have to cede territory. I regard this as a kind of precondition. But I think we should focus on something else — on Ukraine's readiness and commitment to an unconditional ceasefire. The unconditional ceasefire sets a very good and positive tone for the start of negotiations," said Ramaphosa, quoted by Rossiya-1 presenter Olga Skabeeva.

Zelensky also tried to drive a wedge between Africa and Russia, presenting it as a global evil.

"Of course, Putin does not like the presence of Ukraine in Africa. He really does not want Ukraine to build normal relations with the countries of your continent. And on other continents, and in Latin America. They want an exclusive presence on your continent and in other countries," he said.

Recall that Zelensky visited South Africa for the first time today.

As Deutsche Welle reported the day before, the reason will be a working visit to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. However, according to experts, the main topic is likely to be a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

"I am absolutely sure that this issue will be included in the agenda. I think the South African government does not want to raise expectations ... and certainly does not want to outline its true intentions," said Dr. Oscar van Heerden, a researcher at the Center for Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg.

It is noted that in June 2023, Ramaphosa headed the African peacekeeping mission and met with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Recall that South Africa is now in conflict with Washington because of discriminatory measures against the white population of the country. Perhaps, in this regard, Zelensky hoped to finally win over at least one of the representatives of the Global South. Kiev has repeatedly made attempts of this kind, but they have not been crowned with success.

Meanwhile, today, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on the social network X that he was preparing for a meeting with Zelensky — he spoke with Trump by phone.

"I spoke with President Trump to discuss the peace process on Ukraine. We both agreed that the war should be stopped as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths," Ramaphosa wrote.

Zelensky soon announced that he was curtailing his visit to South Africa, referring to the night strikes on the Ukrainian Armed Forces facilities in Kiev. He wrote about this in social networks.

"Today I will inform South African President Ramaphosa, who chairs the G20, about the situation and our need to intensify global diplomatic efforts. Cessation of strikes is required immediately and unconditionally. I am canceling part of the program of this visit and after meeting with the President of South Africa I will immediately return to Ukraine," Zelensky said.

According to him, Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga will remain in South Africa.

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