South Africa and Ukraine woo each other as relationships with Trump turn sour

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting South Africa. This visit shows improved relations between the two nations.

Zelensky aims to counter Russia's growing influence in Africa. Steven Gruzd from the South African Institute of International Relations commented, "Russia will be annoyed by the visit." However, he believes Russia cannot do much about it.

During Zelensky's visit, Russia launched an air strike on Kyiv. This forced him to cut his trip short. He announced on social media, "I am cancelling part of the programme and will return to Ukraine immediately after meeting with President Ramaphosa."

This is Zelensky's first official visit to Africa since 2019. He briefly stopped in Cape Verde while traveling to Argentina in 2023.

Ukraine recognized the importance of African states after many refused to condemn Russia’s invasion in 2022. Gruzd noted that Ukraine had neglected Africa but has doubled its embassies from 10 to 20 in three years.

However, competition for influence is fierce. Countries like Russia, China, Turkey, and the UAE are also active in Africa.

Zelensky's visit comes at a crucial time for Ukraine. Its relationship with the US has soured since Donald Trump took office. Trump paused military aid and criticized Zelensky as a "dictator."

Political analyst Prof Siphamandla Zondi stated that Ukraine needs international legitimacy beyond Europe. He emphasized that wars are won not just on battlefields but also in public opinion.

For South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, this visit is significant too. His country faces pressure from the Trump administration as well.

Gruzd remarked that “the US has turned diplomacy on its head.” Many countries are now seeking new allies.

Ramaphosa views Zelensky’s visit as a chance to enhance his peacemaker image. Their discussions will focus on finding "a path to peace."

Ramaphosa mentioned he spoke with Putin before Zelensky's arrival. They affirmed strong bilateral relations and committed to working towards peace in Ukraine.

In 2023, Ramaphosa led African leaders to Kyiv and Moscow for mediation talks. This initiative faced backlash from Biden’s administration over South Africa’s neutrality claims.

Relations worsened when a US ambassador accused South Africa of supplying arms to Russia. A judge-led inquiry found no evidence for this claim but strained ties remained.

Trump does not criticize South Africa's ties with Russia due to his good relationship with Putin. However, his relationship with South Africa has deteriorated over its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.

Prof Zondi warned that Ramaphosa must ensure talks with Zelensky do not harm relations with the US. He added that South Africa should emphasize its role in promoting peace rather than competing with America.

Zondi expects Ramaphosa will also seek stronger trade ties with Ukraine amid South Africa's economic crisis. Any increase in trade would be vital for South Africa’s economy.

He noted strong relations could benefit both nations' interests on the continent as well. “South Africa could be Ukraine’s gateway to Africa,” he said regarding ports and financial systems.

If successful, this could mark a new chapter in Ukraine-Africa relations without sidelining Russia. Both countries are major cereal exporters needed by African nations which cannot choose sides easily.