Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
PRETORIA, South Africa — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an emotional address during his historic visit to South Africa on Thursday, condemning a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities earlier in the day that killed at least two siblings in Kyiv and injured over 80 people. The assault prompted Zelensky to shorten his trip. However, he vowed to advance diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations while pleading for South Africa’s support in ending the war.
Speaking at the Union Buildings alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelensky linked Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty to South Africa’s Freedom Day celebrations, which mark the nation’s liberation from apartheid. “Our desire for freedom, independence, equality, and respect unites us,” he said, his voice heavy with resolve. “We have been fighting for more than three years against Russian occupation, humiliation, and bullying.”
The Ukrainian leader revealed that Russia launched over 200 air targets, including ballistic missiles and drones, across Ukraine just hours before he arrived in Pretoria. Rescue operations were ongoing as he spoke, with casualties reported in multiple regions. Among the dead were a 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old sister in Kyiv. “My condolences to all who lost loved ones,” Zelensky said, adding that he would depart early but leave Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to finalise bilateral agreements.
Zelensky recalled Ramaphosa’s 2023 visit to Kyiv, during which the South African leader advocated for an “unconditional ceasefire.” While Ukraine agreed, Zelensky stressed that Russia has repeatedly ignored such appeals. He cited a brief Easter truce this year, during which Ukraine “responded to silence with silence,” only for Moscow to resume strikes afterwards. “Everything depends on Russia,” he said. “They must decide to end this war.”
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With South Africa currently chairing the G20, Zelensky urged Ramaphosa to rally the bloc’s members to intensify pressure on the Kremlin. “Global efforts must be united. We need pressure on Russia to end the war—pressure for peace,” he said, praising South Africa’s co-leadership in a global coalition to repatriate thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. He handed Ramaphosa a list of 400 such children, pleading for Pretoria’s help in securing their release alongside Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Despite the grim backdrop, Zelensky outlined ambitious plans to deepen Ukraine-South Africa collaboration. He proposed a joint “mineral hub” to boost regional fertiliser production and exports, alongside partnerships in agriculture, nuclear energy, renewable technology, and urban security systems. “Affordable energy drives economic growth,” he said, noting Ukraine’s expertise in energy infrastructure. He also pledged to expand trade and invest in South African industrial projects, instructing his ministers to prioritise detailed proposals.
Closing his remarks, Zelensky expressed gratitude for South Africa’s solidarity and called on African nations to help “stop Russia and force Putin to accept a complete, unconditional ceasefire.” He ended with Ukraine’s rallying cry, “Glory to Ukraine!” a phrase met with solemn applause.
